The Owls sealed a play-off slot with a 4-1 win over Portsmouth and here are some talking points from Darren Moore’s post-match press conference.
ON THE GAME
Credit to the players because they showed real drive and character to come back after conceding an early goal. I said to them at half time ‘what character you have shown boys’ because it would have been easy to wilt in front of a packed house and playing under that kind of pressure. But they completely turned it around. I thought once those first 10 minutes had passed and they got some good passages of play going, they settled into their rhythm and our gameplan kicked in.
ON THE CROWD
What can I say, it was a special moment for me today and all the staff. To see Hillsborough packed out like that was wonderful and it was a great game played in a great atmosphere. The fans have been with us every step of the way, they have seen a lot of ups and downs, twists and turns, and I’m really pleased we put on the performance we did and sent them home happy. I want to thank every single one of them.
ON THE PLAYERS
I never like to pick out individual performances but there were some outstanding candidates out there today. It’s credit to them all as a group, they have given everything for this cause over a long, demanding season. They can be proud of themselves. We have a oneness and unity at this football club, a real connection and that has helped us through. We are in the play-offs but we haven’t achieved anything yet, we must remain focused and completely on top of our game for the games to come.
ON THE PLAY-OFFS
We wanted to finish in the top six and that’s what we have achieved and now the hard work starts again. The minute we wake up in the morning, the lap tops are out, the focus is firmly on Sunderland. They are a very good side, they have changed their personnel, and Alex has done really well since taking charge. They are right in form and we know the level of the challenge but I am sure Sunderland will be saying the same thing. It’s two huge football clubs meeting in two huge games in front of full houses and I am really looking forward to what lays ahead.
ON BARRY BANNAN
We’ll give it 24/48 hours which I always look to do so that’s normal. I think it was just a bit of tightness but it’s too early to say right now. What I can say is that we saw another excellent performance from Barry today. He leads from the front and we are fortunate to have a player of his quality.