U's Net » Programme Notes » Roy McFarland
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From the Manager

Roy McFarland - Exeter City, Saturday 26th September 1998

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Roy McFarland Well, where do I start to describe such an exhilarating match as we experienced at The Abbey on Tuesday night against Sheffield Wednesday? I'm sure it is one that will live in the memories of all of us for a long time.

I guess we have to start with our goalscorer Trevor Benjamin. He has now hit three goals in as many games - all of them being winners - and I am really pleased for him. But it was a great all round performance and I think that you, the fans, played a part in our passage into Round Three of the Worthington Cup.

I called for you to be noisy and to make it uncomfortable for Sheffield Wednesday. I think that we did that. We didn't let our heads drop when we went behind. They didn't score a goal by opening us up or from a set piece because we dealt with all of that. And whenever they got into our 18-yard box we defended very well and Arjan dealt with anything that they put at him which was pleasing.

It's difficult to single anyone out because everyone played their hearts out for each other, the Club and you the fans. But I would like to give a special mention for John Taylor because he has experienced it all before with a good cup run. I think at the back end of his career, this is romantic and and he'll probably remember it for a long time. I would have loved that chance he created for himself to have gone in near the end.

Overall I must say that I was a little bit surprised by the performance because I had been waiting for the lads to show some nerves. But they didn't and for such a young squad that is good. Maybe it means we are coming of age and starting to truly believe in ourselves.

I think that after the Scarborough game, when we were 2-0 up and lost 3-2, they were starting to look around and not deal with situations that they needed to deal with. But on Tuesday whenever the ball went into the 18-yard box, or we had to mark somebody, we dealt with it. We weren't second best in anything.

As far as the draw goes today, I want the next round here for our supporters. It doesn't matter who we get, I just want them here. You made it uncomfortable for Wednesday and whoever we get, let's get them here. Any big Club, preferably Manchester United, let's play them here at The Abbey. Unless it's my old club Derby, then I'd like to go to Pride Park!

Enough about Tuesday, it's time to get back to our League campaign. Our response at Southend after Hillsborough was excellent and I just hope that we can keep our feet firmly on the ground. We need to bring these lads down to earth quickly because these games are coming thick and fast. Today I hope we experience that same passionate support because we need to win against Exeter. We're obviously still without Michael Kyd and Ian Ashbee through injury, but I have been delighted by how the players have responded and closed ranks. That is important because when you lose players like them you need the squad to pull together and we have done that.

Finally I would like to wish Steve Greenall the best of luck in his new role at Norwich City. We are obviously sorry to lose him because he has been very good for Cambridge United. I have enjoyed working with him and it is sad that this relationship won't continue. However, I'm sure that we'll see him back at The Abbey to cheer us on in the future.

ROY McFARLAND


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U's Net » Programme Notes » Roy McFarland


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