The Bloke we all love[d] to hate.....

[Stretch]

...Gary Madine that is.

Has done very well so far for in my opinion and I thought he was absolutely superb tonight. Yes there was some playacting and falling over but overall he was a real handful for their defenders. He brings the ball down so effortlessly and link ups really well, keeping it simple but always finding an attacking player who has space to run into. He also seems to have developed a decent understanding with Sharp already; a terrific brace of assists to supply the fat lad tonight. Ok the second was a missed effort off the post but I ain't complaining.

It felt almost surreal seeing hearing Blades sing his name when he was subbed, and to see his applause in return. He looked genuinely taken by it and it looks obvious already that he has completely bought into Wilder's mentality. Funny to see Dowell on the other hand who when subbed had to be told to turn around and acknowledge the away support - although he was excellent tonight as well.

It's still a weird one for me having him at the club with his history, but I said I would judge him on his performances and [from what I could perceive from stands/TV screen] attitude. So far I have no complaints whatsoever.

What a crazy world this is.

 

[Harry's Game]

Banker to score the winner in the play off final.

 

[Ricky]

All quite predictable, to be honest.

Although the song's come sooner than expected.

 

[Sheffsteel]

Agree Madine plays the target man role really well, much better than Clarke.
His presence seems to unsettle defenders, they don’t like playing against him and his first touch is really good.

Was disappointed with Dowell first half, thought he was one of our worse players
But then the match opened up more in the 2nd half and he started to find space and look dangerous.
He reminds me a bit of David Brooks, in that his decision making can be poor and he gives the ball away too much
But he’s often trying dribbles or difficult passes and with his unpredictability you feel he can make things happen.

 

[Stretch]

All quite predictable, to be honest.

Although the song's come sooner than expected.

I wasn't sure how it would go at first. Although like most supporters I think we love a grafter who leaves everything on the pitch, and he seems to be doing that. I just thought it might take longer for things to settle in this case.

Wilder has managed the situation well though. Immediately sticking him on the bench at home, scrapping what would have been an awkward presentation to the home supporters before the first match, starting him in the first 11 away and bringing him on at home for the first time against a former club, who's supporters in most cases would have cheered him onto the pitch. When he does finally start at home 99% of supporters will have accepted him.