Neil Warnock seemed in determined mood today at the press conference. He was adamant that he would not allow this season to drift away from us. And woe-betide any player that does not give it all between now and mid May. Yet with little now to play for how can he keep us glued to our screens for these last five games? I asked the manager how he can keep us on it and he talked about what drives him on. He talked about fans strong opinions and also made a direct promise about tomorrow's game against QPR.
Q: Fans that I have talking with are worried about season ebbing away.
NW: I think any fans that have been supporting us, I think they know I won't let it drift away. If I am honest Robert, I am not that kind of manager. And as soon as I see someone drifting away they will either be hooked off the pitch or left out of the squad. But it is hard when there is nothing at stake. It is very hard to motivate. It is like pre-season friendlies. I am not a big fan of them really when there is nothing at stake. I think something to be on the line. So, they will be trying. It is just unfortunate that with the injuries we have got that it always seems to be your better players. Which is frustrating for me. I look at other clubs and yes I am a little bit envious at times because I think we should be right up there. So, my frustration I am sure is shared with Steve. I speak to him regularly and I think we both are frustrated. But he keeps me going, if I am honest. When I do get a little bit down he is the one that gives me a little bit... So, I think for every manager, who motivates the motivator? And that is Steve Gibson, thankfully.
Q:You always said you were worried about this season taking a toll on fitness, with lack of pre season and the hectic schedule. Do you think the number of injuries and the many key players has been really critical this season?
NW: We have had one or two meetings with our medical department as well. Because the medical staff have been doing more than they should really. It has been very difficult, it has been a hard slog for every department. And we have got try and look at the injuries that we have had and can we avoid some of these. The lads that have had recurrences, can we strengthen areas that they are not going to get this again, do you know what I mean Robert?
Because we can't do with our best players missing. To have any chance we have got to have a number of choices each week, even with one or two injuries. You know, it has been very limited lately the choices that we have had.
And I do read all you lot, you know. I keep reading things and you are telling me... I even read the other day what are we going to Cornwall for when they should be playing big teams, we should be doing this, that and the other. They all know better than me, don't they Rob?
Q: Yes..
NW: There will be a few going down though, won't there?
Q: Yes..
NW: I thought they might be.
Q: You have got more experience than us fans, does it help is you finish strongly to pick up the momentum the next season, even if you do change personnel?
NW: Not really, no. I don't think it does, no. I don't think it matters. It is just your pride. You should have pride in your job. I have got pride, I want to finish as high as I can. And I am hoping the players have got that pride. That's what drives me on. I don't think finishing, when you're in mid-table, it doesn't matter whether you are 7th or 15th I don't think it matters in that respect. Because when pre-season comes it is a brand new ball game then. People have to impress me then from day one. And there will be quite a few new faces, hopefully, trying to impress me. No, but I do want to finish as high as I can, Robert. I think it is only right, that.
Q: I noticed on the head to head between Middlesbrough and QPR we have beaten them 18 times and they have beaten us 19 times.
NW: We can level it up then, Rob. We'll level it up.
Q: Fans that I have talking with are worried about season ebbing away.
NW: I think any fans that have been supporting us, I think they know I won't let it drift away. If I am honest Robert, I am not that kind of manager. And as soon as I see someone drifting away they will either be hooked off the pitch or left out of the squad. But it is hard when there is nothing at stake. It is very hard to motivate. It is like pre-season friendlies. I am not a big fan of them really when there is nothing at stake. I think something to be on the line. So, they will be trying. It is just unfortunate that with the injuries we have got that it always seems to be your better players. Which is frustrating for me. I look at other clubs and yes I am a little bit envious at times because I think we should be right up there. So, my frustration I am sure is shared with Steve. I speak to him regularly and I think we both are frustrated. But he keeps me going, if I am honest. When I do get a little bit down he is the one that gives me a little bit... So, I think for every manager, who motivates the motivator? And that is Steve Gibson, thankfully.
Q:You always said you were worried about this season taking a toll on fitness, with lack of pre season and the hectic schedule. Do you think the number of injuries and the many key players has been really critical this season?
NW: We have had one or two meetings with our medical department as well. Because the medical staff have been doing more than they should really. It has been very difficult, it has been a hard slog for every department. And we have got try and look at the injuries that we have had and can we avoid some of these. The lads that have had recurrences, can we strengthen areas that they are not going to get this again, do you know what I mean Robert?
Because we can't do with our best players missing. To have any chance we have got to have a number of choices each week, even with one or two injuries. You know, it has been very limited lately the choices that we have had.
And I do read all you lot, you know. I keep reading things and you are telling me... I even read the other day what are we going to Cornwall for when they should be playing big teams, we should be doing this, that and the other. They all know better than me, don't they Rob?
Q: Yes..
NW: There will be a few going down though, won't there?
Q: Yes..
NW: I thought they might be.
Q: You have got more experience than us fans, does it help is you finish strongly to pick up the momentum the next season, even if you do change personnel?
NW: Not really, no. I don't think it does, no. I don't think it matters. It is just your pride. You should have pride in your job. I have got pride, I want to finish as high as I can. And I am hoping the players have got that pride. That's what drives me on. I don't think finishing, when you're in mid-table, it doesn't matter whether you are 7th or 15th I don't think it matters in that respect. Because when pre-season comes it is a brand new ball game then. People have to impress me then from day one. And there will be quite a few new faces, hopefully, trying to impress me. No, but I do want to finish as high as I can, Robert. I think it is only right, that.
Q: I noticed on the head to head between Middlesbrough and QPR we have beaten them 18 times and they have beaten us 19 times.
NW: We can level it up then, Rob. We'll level it up.
