HATS OFF TO BROWN AND FLITCROFT
I WAS lucky enough to be at Bury on Tuesday night to watch a quite outstanding game.
Both Bury and Southend had everything to play for and it most certainly showed. But there was no fear or apprehension.
There was simply fast-paced, high-energy, wonderful quality football played between two teams way better than League Two level. Southend boss Phil Brown came out on top of David Flitcroft but both managers should be congratulated.
For 45 minutes, Bury stretched and strained Southend with an exhilarating passing game. They did everything but score.
Bury’s Danny Mayor showed pace, driving ability and Championship technical quality as he rampaged behind their front two. Southend’s centre-backs kept them in the game.
Then after half-time, Southend developed more play, counter-attacked much better after changing shape and scored a brilliant winner to draw level with Wycombe in the automatic hunt. Ben Coker for Southend was quite exceptional at left-back.
I came away feeling like I had watched a competitive Championship level match.
And that is what is happening in English football. Clubs are benefitting from the fact that very good, experienced managers are not being given top jobs. They are being forced to drop down and do great work at smaller clubs.
It was a wonderful advert for Brown, Flitcroft and League Two.