That was such a frustrating performance, says Bristol City's Millen
Keith Millen branded Bristol City "nearly men" after watching them slip to 1 1-0 defeat at Doncaster Rovers.
In no mood to mince his words, City's assistant manager, pictured, offered a stark assessment of where the team is falling short.
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Keith Millen
And he admitted the players need to do more if they are to reach the end-of-season play-offs and realise their dream of reaching the Barclays Premier League.
Victory at the Keepmoat Stadium would have propelled the Robins back into the top six of the Coca-Cola Championship, but their hopes were dashed by Rovers striker Billy Sharp, who poached the only goal on a day when City left their shooting boots at home.
City's third defeat in five games saw them drop one place to ninth and they are now two points off the play-off places going into a busy holiday programme, which could make-or-break their season.
"We feel really frustrated, not just by the result, but by the performance," said Millen.
"Everyone was on a high after beating Leicester 3-1 in the week and we thought we could come here and get a result, despite Doncaster's good home record.
"We thought we could take the three points, but we seem to be taking one step forward and one back.
"At the moment, we are nearly men because we cannot take that next step forwards to get us into the top six.
"On occasions, these lads have shown they are good enough to get us into the play-offs. But they are nearly there instead of actually being there."
Danny Haynes had what appeared a legitimate goal ruled out for offside early in the second half, but Millen refused to make excuses.
"Sometimes those decisions go for you and sometimes they don't," reflected Millen. "But we still cannot get away from the fact that we need to create more.
"I thought the two teams cancelled one another out and the game never got going. One mistake from us and Billy Sharp has taken the one real chance in the match and finished it well.
"That was the difference on the day – they took their chance and we didn't take any of ours."
City manager Gary Johnson introduced Costa Rica forward Alvaro Saborio at the start of the second half in an attempt to render his team more potent in the final third and, for a while at least, the visitors did improve.
But Doncaster goalkeeper Neil Sullivan scarcely made a save of any of note and Millen conceded: "We didn't do enough."
He explained: "We changed it at half-time because we wanted to get another front-man up there to try and win the game.
"Alvaro put himself about and won some headers but our final ball was not good enough and, when we did get it into the box, our creative players were unable to go past people and make they things happen.
"They have to do more and beat defenders if they want to create a goal and score a goal and, at the moment, they're not doing that."
City's 10-goal leading marksman Nicky Maynard had another quiet game and has now gone six games without scoring. Millen admits the £2.25m club record signing is suffering from loss of confidence.
He said: "All strikers go through these lean spells and Nicky is having one at the moment. When that happens, you have to keep working hard and hope that something drops for you.
"It is affecting his confidence and he needs that little bit of luck in front of goal."
Northern Ireland winger Ivan Sproule damaged a hamstring late in the first half, had to be replaced by Gavin Williams and could now be doubtful for next Saturday's home game against Reading.
Millen said: "When a quick player like Ivan pulls up like that, you known something is wrong. We're still not sure how bad it is and we'll have to have a look at him after the weekend."
13 Comments
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by Lawrence, Nanaimo B/C Canada,
Tuesday, December 15 2009, 3:09AM
“Read it slower then fred/red,
Maybe you should have stayed in school ! ! !”
by Fred the Red, Longwell Green
Tuesday, December 15 2009, 1:10AM
“Can anyone make any sense from that last posting?”
by Lawrence, Nanaimo B/C Canada,
Monday, December 14 2009, 5:29PM
“Were City fans from afar, but when were over there we take in the [GREAT game] at the gate ,
But after an away win [3-1], to put on a show like that at donny,
says something is not right, & it must be fixed at any and all costs,
lm always thinking bottom line & thats FANS in the stands ,home fan base is going down weekly,
& S/L cant be happy along , , with the true fans week after week,
Being in Business l always look at the $$ bottom line,
Sorry to sounding a downer but,
there is a law if it aint broke dont touch it ,
But something needs to be tinkered with at the gate, , o&o”
by Chris, Bristol
Monday, December 14 2009, 2:19PM
“Dave, i agree he is slated if we win and then slated if we lose. It seems, at times with certain members of support GJ is doing a thankless job! It may put players and managers off coming to this club and these people talk, and if the talk is one of fickle negativity its likely to damage this clubs reputation and ability to attract better names! GJ, so far has made this club attractive to players such as Hartley etc. Therefore, i cannot understand some people wishing to destroy all this good work!”
by david, Planet Earth
Monday, December 14 2009, 12:47PM
“Re GJ not speaking to the media. I think he's damned if he does and damned if he doesn't.
I also feel that he's now promoting a seige like mentality with his players which is understandable given the comments on here and elsewhere.
I saw the game on saturday and it was a very poor performance by some gutless players who buckled with the Donny players in their faces all game.
GJ has some work to do to get them back on track, and a seige mentality is as good a tactic as any.
I hope he can get the players playing as they should do and get a bit of consistency going.
A couple of new addtions in january should give some of them a kick up the jacksie.”
by Chris, Bristol
Monday, December 14 2009, 12:46PM
“Sorry 2 out of 5 then as i mis counted the Donnie game!
There maybe tumbleweeds from the groaners seats but us supporters will be there to cheer our team on in the hope we close the small point gap on the play offs! Of course, when we get back to form the groaners wil come back and ruin the atmosphere, as per ususal!”
by Phil, Bristol
Monday, December 14 2009, 12:35PM
“4 wins for 16.
Hardly the promotion/play-off form that Steve Lansdown wanted this season.
Gary Johnson ever the man to grab the limelight when things are going well, has gone missing when times are tough.
Something which I find total unprofessional, it's his management that is causing the problems and he's now hiding behind his assistant manager.
The performances this season have been dreadful and the attendances are dropping like a shot, from 17-18k last season to 14-15k this season.
Fans are voting with their feet.
How long has he got left? Unknown but I'd be surprised if a ruthless businessman like Lansdown tolorates this public silcence from the manager in addition to the Terrible football being served up on a saturday.
Look out for the tumbleweeds likely to be spotted at the gate on saturday.”
by Marcus, Wilts
Monday, December 14 2009, 11:03AM
“Oh dear Chris....You really need to THINK before you start typing...
Forest-Drew.
WBA-Lost
Leicester-Won
Donny-Lost
I make it 1 win in the last 4? Facts and truth not your strong suit eh Chris!”
by Chris, Bristol
Monday, December 14 2009, 10:29AM
“Glenn, we have actually won 2 in the last 4 away games! Some would say thats not a bad return now, of course it was a concern for all but we seem to be getting it right, if only the players could get some support from the fans imagine what could be acheived, but im sure with the fickleness of fair weather fans such as you thats a little too much to ask! Get behind the team like the real supporters do!”
by Marcus, Wilts
Monday, December 14 2009, 10:26AM
“Glenn.
I find your comments spot on and so true. Marco is another person with access to a PC but obviously doesn't take facts and actual performances in to account before spouting his nonsense.
All City fans should be concerned at the moment, most expensive squad in our clubs history yet the worst football and performances since Johnson took control.
Now anyone with an ounce of common sense would be asking questions to why this is happening.”