Nathan Jones
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Southampton manager Nathan Jones happy to welcome Bednarek into squad after loan recall #SAINTSFC

January 24, 2023
SAINTS manager Nathan Jones has expressed his support for defender Jan Bednarek after the 26-year-old was recalled from his loan spell at Aston Villa. Bednarek departed St Mary’s on transfer deadline day but his season-long loan spell at Villa Park has now been cut short with the centre-back returning to Saints for the remainder of the season.  The recall came with a mixed reaction from Saints fans after Bednarek spoke about his excitement at joining a ‘bigger club’ in his introductory interview with Aston Villa. But asked about the potential negative reception the Polish international could receive from the Saints faithful, Jones told the Daily Echo that they had discussed it and that he isn’t concerned. “We spoke about it but he’s an experienced international player,” Jones said. “I understand why there will be…but let’s take some context. Some people say some stuff when they go somewhere. And it just happens. You just say it because you want to endear yourself.  “Sometimes you don’t think or sometimes you don’t think about what the collateral damage could be behind you but there was no malice about it.  “He loves the club, he’s very popular in the changing room, and he worked very very hard for Southampton. It wasn’t anything to do with the club. He probably just wanted to endear himself to Aston Villa and that’s how I would see it.” Speaking earlier in his press conference on Monday afternoon ahead of Saints’ League Cup semi-final first-leg clash with Newcastle United, Jones explained the reasoning behind the decision to recall Bednarek. "We felt we need a bit more experience in there, a bit more of a leader, a bit more of a voice,” the former Luton Town boss answered.  “Because with the greatest respect, we’ve got some young centre halves here, some of whom are in their first season in the Premier League, it’s a tough league. "So we just felt we needed a bit of experience, a bit of aggression, a little bit of something in there. We could have gone out and signed someone new. But Janny (Bednarek)...someone who knows the place, someone who knows the building, has played in an aggressive team before…we felt he was the logical one.” And not only is Jones excited to welcome back the experienced central defender, but he even indicated that Bednarek could be thrust straight into the action on Tuesday night against Newcastle. "Absolutely," he responded when asked if Bednarek was in contention to face the Magpies.  "He played in the FA Cup a couple of weeks ago, he played 90 minutes against Stevenage. I know it’s not a Premier League game but Stevenage under Steve Evans…I know all about them. "Look, he’s in a place where he’s in contention. Whether he starts, whether he plays 90 minutes...is a different thing. But sooner or later he’s got to get up to speed. We’ll take calculated risks and gambles with players. "I doubt he’s ready to go 90 minutes tomorrow night but he could be for 60 or 65 and we’ve got a squad that can handle that." Bednarek has appeared three times for Saints this season starting the first match of their League Cup quest, a 3-0 win at Cambridge United in August. A message from the Editor Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo. Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website. You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.
Nathan Jones
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Southampton not considering Nathan Tella recall from Burnley #SAINTSFC

January 23, 2023
EXCITING attacker Nathan Tella is set to stay with Burnley for the remainder of his season-long loan spell after Saints boss Nathan Jones stated the club is not looking to recall the 23-year-old. Tella has enjoyed a productive Championship campaign, scoring nine times as Burnley cruise toward automatic promotion. But despite his impressive form and Saints’ need for additional attacking firepower, Jones does not feel that recalling Tella is the right move for all parties. READ MORE: Saints team news ahead of Newcastle clash as Jones confirms Bednarek eligibility “No, not at the minute,” Jones answered in response to whether or not the club was considering recalling Tella.   “We're really happy with Nathan, he's doing fantastically well at Burnley. He's having a real good experience and he is flying.  “But with the greatest of respect, for him to come back and do that at Premier League level, we are not sure. We've got people like Adam Armstrong who have been prolific at Championship level. So we've got good competition in that area.  “What we would like is something a little bit different in terms of maybe size, maybe real aggression. Nathan is doing fantastic under Vincent (Kompany) and is having a wonderful season for his development.  “At the end of the season, there's is a big decision to make. But it's been a really productive loan for him and it is in his benefit to stay there.” Jones has made no secret of his desire to add increased potency to his attack as Saints enter the final ten days of the January transfer window. A message from the Editor Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo. Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website. You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.
Nathan Jones
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Southampton boss Nathan Jones provides explanation for set-piece woes #SAINTSFC

January 23, 2023
NATHAN JONES has attempted to explain his side’s set-piece frailties after Saints were once again punished for failing to deal with a dead-ball situation on Saturday against Aston Villa. A tight encounter at St Mary’s was decided with just over 12 minutes to play when Saints lost concentration defending a free-kick and allowed Ollie Watkins to ghost in and score the only goal of the game. Saints have already conceded five Premier League goals from set-pieces since Jones arrived in November while they lead the division in set-piece goals conceded this season, excluding penalties. And asked whether he feels the issues are due to personnel or defensive structure, Jones responded: “It’s a bit of both. We need to be more aggressive. Are we aggressive? I mean, to be fair, before we came in, we looked at it and we knew we needed to improve it.  “Size-wise we’re not the biggest - we’re probably one of the smallest Premier League sides in terms of a squad. We’ve got to be really, really organised, really aggressive, really structured. Which we are in terms of the work we do. “I couldn't have been any more aggressive yesterday in the way I went about certain things but we got blocked today naively. Two people got between two centre-halves and it can’t happen. It just can’t happen. "It almost cost us last week (vs Everton) where zones weren’t in the right place. So when the ball comes in, it looks like it's a free header but it's not. That ball should land on a zone but the zone wasn't there. “I've come from a level and levels below that where it’s Land of the Giants. So you have to be really good. If you to League Two, League One and Championship everyone is bigger and stronger and you have 6ft and 7ft. That’s not the case here, but we’ve got to be better. “It’s just moments," the 49-year-old continued. "We defended three or four and then we went to sleep on one. We want to be disciplined, show aggression, be bold and clinical - those are the four things we ask for constantly but it was discipline which let us down today.” This same problem plagued Ralph Hasenhuttl's team last season as only Leeds United conceded more times from set-pieces, excluding penalties, than Saints.  “It's a massive number that we’ve conceded and we shouldn't do that," Jones added in reference to Saints' league-leading inability to defend set-pieces.  "It's not like people have been really clever - people are going against the process. If we are more disciplined and are aggressive in our zones then we won’t concede. The club I came from, we were the best in the league at it. You don’t suddenly become bad. You’ve still got to defend your box and that’s what we’re not doing.” A message from the Editor Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo. Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website. You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.
Roberto De Zerbi
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Roberto De Zerbi plans to build on getting a hard fought point at Leicester #BHAFC

January 23, 2023
Albion showed their boss they can push for European football – as they dropped points on the road. Evan Ferguson’s late header salvaged a 2-2 draw at Leicester City, which was the least they deserved. Kaoru Mitoma scored a brilliant goal for a Seagulls side who lost Adam Lallana to injury. The result ended their run of three successive away wins in Premier League and FA Cup. Bbut De Zerbi, who revealed ahead of the game he did not sleep after wins, said this draw had also left him with plenty to think about. The Albion head coach said: “I think I will sleep badly also with a draw but I am very proud of my players today. “We could have lost the game and to score the second goal was very important for us. “For us, it is a signal for the second part of the season. “I think we are able to fight for a high position. “I watched the games of Brighton and the other teams and I think we have to try. "The players now are sad for the result but it is important because they wanted to win. “I think we deserved to win but the point today is very important. It’s important how we fight for the result.” Albion fans are thinking of a European push. De Zerbi said: “I don’t know what will be the target but I think it is clear we are a good team.”
Nathan Jones
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Nathan Jones admits ‘We are looking more solid, that’s the disappointing thing’ after league cup loss against Newcastle United #SAINTSFC

January 22, 2023
SAINTS manager Nathan Jones was disappointed to not take a single point from their match with Aston Villa, saying: “We are looking a much more solid outfit.” Ollie Watkins scored the only goal of the game with a header from a free-kick in the 77th minute, after Che Adams and James Ward-Prowse saw efforts ruled out. The latter came following a VAR check both supporters and Jones have expressed disappointment towards – with uncertainty if it was initially a clear and obvious refereeing error. It ends a run of three consecutive wins for Saints and means they have lost all three Premier League games at home since Jones’s appointment. “It’s really disappointing to have the disallowed goal and then concede in the manner which we did, a soft goal with a bit of naivety shown,” Jones admitted. “That’s the disappointing thing, when you work religiously on something we pride ourself on and it’s costing us at the minute. “We had a good week and showed we could be an aggressive and potent side, but today we weren’t as potent as we could have been. They’re a good side and it was difficult but once we got to grips with it we were able to create more ourselves.” He added: “We are looking a much more solid outfit and that’s the really disappointing thing, they haven’t looked a solid outfit for a long time but now we have a platform to win games. “Then we can work on being clinical and being fluent but we can work on that and if we’re conceding silly goals we wont games, no matter how entertaining we look. “At the moment, it’s more important to win games than being entertaining. Everyone has to contribute to these performances. “The players might lack confidence or whatever it is but we need something to turn and today and today we right in the game, it was a marginal thing. “We think we’ve scored and got the breakthrough, we have a wonderful chance with Adam Armstrong and the keeper makes a save. “Our keeper didn’t really have anything to save, apart from the goal. That’s the real frustrating thing for us because we’re looking solid, we’re defending better and we’re more aggressive but those little margins are going against us.” A message from the Editor Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo. Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website. You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.
Gary O’Neil
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- AFC Bournemouth’s Gary O’Neil on Dango Ouattara debut #AFCB

January 22, 2023
CHERRIES boss Gary O’Neil believed debutant Dango Ouattara “coped exceptionally well” during the 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest. The Burkinabè provided an assist for Jaidon Anthony to open scores, before Cherries academy graduate Sam Surridge struck late on to ensure spoils were shared. Ouattara arrived at the Vitality Stadium on Thursday following his transfer from FC Lorient, the Burkina Faso international instantly thrust into Cherries’ starting line-up due to injuries. Despite the addition of Ouattra, Cherries had to pad out their matchday squad with three youngsters, highlighting the injuries issues O’Neil’s charges currently face. Philip Billing was a late drop out in the week leading up to the game, with the Dane joining Dominic Solanke, Lewis Cook, and Marcus Tavernier in the treatment room. O'Neil explains Billing absence from Forest clash Asked about the 20-year-old’s performance, O’Neil told the Daily Echo: “I thought it was a tough week for him, to be honest. “I think he obviously hadn’t trained much, he's done a lot of traveling. If we hadn’t had the injuries that we have at the moment, we have a depleted squad at this moment in time, Tavs (Marcus Tavernier),  Dom (Solanke), Lewis Cook, Phil Billing all key players for us. “So we were forced, maybe, into starting Dango. I thought he would be able to cope, I think he coped exceptionally well. “He’s done one day training with the lads, doesn’t know anybody. He worked his socks off, looked a threat. I was pretty pleased with him.” A livewire in a rejuvenated Cherries attack, Ouattara seemed to combine well with Anthony. Asked how the system worked, O’Neil shared: “It’s a similar style which we've used, just Dango gives us a different outlet. “Similar, there weren’t many changes to the structure. JZ came in and we tried to do some work done that side. “Knew that Dango would be a threat down the right side with his pace. So some combination play on the left, pace on the right. “So nothing that we haven't done before, but since we've been missing Tavs, we haven't had that pace down the side.”
Nathan Jones
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Nathan Jones reveals Southampton ‘will not knee-jerk’ and make panic forward signing #SAINTSFC

January 21, 2023
SAINTS boss Nathan Jones has insisted the club “will not knee-jerk” if they are unable to make the perfect addition to their attacking ranks this January. The manager wants to add more “potency” to his team but is clear that does not just mean a number nine, with Che Adams and Sekou Mara already leading in that role. Saints could look to acquire a number 10 or winger with the likes of Villarreal’s Nicolas Jackson one tipped to be moving closer to St Mary’s. However, former manager Ralph Hasenhuttl told media for over a month that Saints would sign a new striker – before two prospective deals fell through at the end of the window. READ MORE: 'Up to speed' - Jones hints signings Alcaraz and Orsic are ready to start matches Asked if he would be comfortable going into the rest of the season with his current attacking options, should a similar scenario occur again, Jones gave the Daily Echo an honest answer. “If nothing comes available that we can add that improves us, I never add just numbers for the sake of it,” he said. “I’d rather just work with what we have and someone I really know than something that’s too much of a gamble, especially at this level.” Jones added: “We’re working really hard to improve certain areas but if nothing comes available we won’t knee-jerk, we are scoring goals so it’s not like we’ve gone two or three games without scoring. “We want to demand more and would like a little bit more potency all round, and we’re not going to get 10 players like that. If we can get one or two that add to us then that’s what we’re going to do.” Asked exactly what he is looking for as a forward reinforcement, Jones explained: “We've got two good number nines who we believe in terms of Che and Sekou. “We would like more potency is what we want. So whether that is if that's an out and out number nine then fine. If that's someone that can play across the line, then fine. “We've been quite diverse, but getting the key characteristics that are essential for a Southampton team that wants to be aggressive and score goals.” A message from the Editor Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo. Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website. You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.
Nathan Jones
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Southampton manager Nathan Jones reveals conversations with Jan Bednarek and loanees #SAINTSFC

January 21, 2023
NATHAN Jones reveals he has held conversations with Jan Bednarek and every Saints player out on loan, but remained coy on the possibility of bringing the Pole back. The 26-year-old central defender currently remains out on loan at upcoming opponents Aston Villa after a deadline day exit during the summer transfer window. Bednarek, who is unavailable to face his parent side when Villa visit St Mary’s on Saturday, has made just one start for the Midlands outfit – and he was hauled off at half-time in that. Reports at the start of the January window had suggested recalling Bednarek was an option considered by Jones, as he looked to strengthen his centre-back options. He has refused to confirm or deny the suggestion, and, following the impressive emergence of Duje Caleta-Car after Armel Bella-Kotchap’s injury, Jones was asked again. “What we have to do is come out of this window stronger than we went into it and that has to be the essence every single transfer window. That's what we have to do,” he said. “The squad has to improve every single window. That's what recruitment is. You never go backwards, you never stagnate. “If something comes available that improves us significantly and fits in with the model here and the financial balances and everything then we will do it. But the key thing is that we improve on every level coming out of this window.” Jones continued: “I’ve spoken to everyone who is on loan here, whether that’s Jack Stephens (AFC Bournemouth), Jan Bednarek, Nathan Tella (Burnley), Will Smallbone (Stoke City), everyone who is out on loan I have spoken to. “We know what we want to do and what’s the plan for those, and if something we feel can strengthen us via a recall or whatever it is then fine, we will do that. “It’s just about making sure we are stronger on the first of February than we were on the first of January.” A message from the Editor Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo. Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website. You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.
Nathan Jones
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Southampton manager Nathan Jones hints new signings Mislav Orsic and Charly Alcaraz are ready to start matches #SAINTSFC

January 21, 2023
SAINTS manager Nathan Jones confirmed he believes new signings Mislav Orsic and Charly Alcaraz are now ready to “handle starting berths in the team”.  Both forward Orsic, who was Jones’s first signing of the window and joined from Croatian side Dinamo Zagreb, and Racing Club midfielder Alcaraz have made their club debuts as substitutes. Orsic, 30, was introduced late during the 2-0 victory over Manchester City in the EFL Cup quarter-final while Alcaraz played 30 minutes in the 2-1 win at Everton last Saturday. They have now had a full week without the interruption of a fixture to work with the group, which Jones says he has taken full advantage of, and the boss now believes they are up to speed. Asked if he is beginning to see the duo take on what Saints want them to do, Jones told the Daily Echo: “Oh yeah, but they were last week. “We bring people into the club now who fit specifically what we want to do so they already do that at their previous club, it’s just adapting it to the Southampton way of doing things. “They’re both fit, they both want to do well but it’s about not putting them in too early. We couldn’t put Orsic straight in because of the rest he’d had after the World Cup,” Jones explained. The Croatian international competed with his country up to the very end of the World Cup, scoring the winner in the third-place playoff versus Morocco just one day before the final. “Charly was a bit of a different situation because he was mid-season and had been used to playing games,” Jones added. “But they’re both now up to speed and can handle starting berths in the team.” Orsic and Alcaraz could make full debuts for Saints when they welcome Aston Villa to St Mary’s in the Premier League on Saturday, January 21 (3PM). A message from the Editor Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo. Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website. You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.
Gary O’Neil
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Gary O’Neil remembers good times previously working with Arnaut Danjuma #AFCB

January 21, 2023
GARY O’Neil would not confirm nor deny whether Cherries could bring Arnaut Danjuma back in this transfer window, but insisted: “Wherever he goes to next will be pleased to have him.” The Daily Echo understands Cherries are among a handful of clubs interested in signing the winger, on loan, this month. He is understood to be available with parent club Villarreal reportedly allowing him to travel around Europe in the past week to speak to potentially interested parties. Premier League duo Everton and Nottingham Forest have been heavily linked, as well as Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven, Danjuma’s first professional club. Discussing Cherries’ interest in the 25-year-old, head coach O’Neil said: “I don’t like speaking about other team’s players, but obviously I know Arnie. “I’ve worked with him. Arnie knows what I think of him. “He’s a fantastic talent. “He was excellent for us while he was here, especially towards the end of his spell. “I’m sure wherever he goes to next will be pleased to have him. “He’s an attacking talent. I like Arnie. I enjoyed working with him and he knows that.” Asked if there is still a chance Danjuma returns to Cherries this month, a club he spent two years at before leaving in 2021, O’Neil added: “I don’t know. I haven’t been updated in the last 24 hours on the situation really. “We’ve managed to get Dango in and then full focus is on the game tomorrow (against Nottingham Forest). “The boys that are here are important to me, so I need to make sure they’re all ready.”
Che Adams
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Che Adams believes recent wins have made Southampton ‘realise we’re a good team’ #SAINTSFC

January 19, 2023
SAINTS striker Che Adams has reflected on a huge week for the club and manager Nathan Jones after three wins in seven days helped his side regain ‘self-belief.’ Adams and his teammates have endured a torrid first half of the campaign, sitting rock-bottom of the Premier League table at the turn of the new year and in the midst of a six-game losing run in the league. Jones replaced Hasenhuttl in November but the change seemed to make little impact as Saints failed to win any of the new boss’ first four league games in charge. But victory at Crystal Palace in the FA Cup seemed to spark a mini-revival, a sentiment supported in style days later when Saints shocked Manchester City to reach the EFL Cup semi-final stage. And finally last weekend, Saints claimed perhaps their biggest result of the season so far as they edged past relegation-rivals Everton thanks to James Ward-Prowse’s second half double. The win was Saints’ first in the league under Jones and has helped alter the feeling around the club - and within the squad. “That’s all it took for the team to have that self-belief and realise we’re a good team,” Adams told the Daily Echo of the effect the last week has had on Jones's squad.  “It’s down to fine margins, but with the games coming so fast we knew we could build some sort of momentum and hopefully that continues now. Being back home at St Mary’s with the fans, everyone can get behind us now. We’ll put on a good game.” Saints will be looking to keep their positive momentum going on Saturday when Aston Villa travel to the South Coast. “It’s been really good, really positive," Adams said of Saints' preperation for the upcoming Villa clash. "Building off a hard and intense week, everyone is really looking forward to the weekend again. “The gaffer is really intense and still wants to put his spin on things and to have us working as a team as well. It’s nice but especially when you’re winning you just want the games to keep coming and building that momentum.” A message from the Editor Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo. Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website. You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.
Lloyd Kelly
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Lloyd Kelly on AFC Bournemouth loss at Brentford #AFCB

January 18, 2023
CAPTAIN Lloyd Kelly says Cherries’ squad have “got to stick together at this moment”, adding: “We need to make sure we do better individually and as a group.” Cherries slumped to a sixth straight defeat, beaten 2-0 by Brentford in west London on Saturday. A controversial Ivan Toney penalty broke the deadlock shortly before half-time, with Mathias Jensen wrapped up the win with 15 minutes to play. The loss left Cherries 17th in the Premier League table at the halfway mark, on 16 points. “In that first half it was fairly equal,” Kelly told afcbTV, reflecting on the Brentford contest. “We defended well, right up until the (penalty) decision. “Seeing it back, it is difficult to accept, to be honest. “Second half we showed glimpses of good things. “When you get hit with the second goal, it’s just easy things to avoid, to be honest. “Everyone can accept we need to see those moments out and we need to do better, that’s it. “It’s a hard one, but that’s how it is.” Asked how tough it was mentally to concede a second goal whilst pushing for an equaliser, Kelly added: “Everyone knows we need to do better in those moments and manage those moments. “I can say it’s difficult, but we have to do better.” Discussing the importance of the togetherness of the squad during this difficult run, Kelly said: “From the beginning of the season, we needed that, every day. “And especially in the game situations. Of course, you look at where we are and how hard this league is and games coming round, we’ve got to stick together at this moment. “Especially the players and everyone that is involved in this club. That’s what we need to do from now until the end of the season. “We need to make sure we do better individually and as a group, for sure.”
Gary O’Neil
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Gary O’Neil pleased with Cherries’ squad effort during ‘tough moment’ of the season #AFCB

January 17, 2023
GARY O’Neil admits Cherries are in a “tough moment”, but feels they were “unfortunate” to suffer defeat at Brentford. Since moving from interim to permanent head coach, O’Neil has presided over six defeats from six, the latest a 2-0 reverse at the Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday. Cherries went to Brentford already without Dominic Solanke, Ryan Fredericks, Junior Stanislas and David Brooks due to injury, as well as the suspended Adam Smith. That meant teenage trio Dominic Sadi, Michael Dacosta Gonzalez and Daniel Adu-Adjei were drafted in to make up the numbers on the bench, named in a Premier League matchday squad for the first time. Cherries were then dealt a further blow when Lewis Cook was forced off with a knee injury, with the scores level at 0-0. Brentford soon went in front, the hosts controversially awarded a penalty when Ivan Toney went over under Marcos Senesi’s challenge. Mathias Jensen then put the game to bed in the second half, leaving Cherries just one point outside of the relegation zone at the halfway mark of the Premier League season. “I thought the players were fully committed, gave everything, worked their socks off, right to the end,” O’Neil told the Daily Echo. “When we arrived in their final third, maybe lacked a little bit of quality and cutting edge, but created some decent opportunities. “I didn’t think there was much in the game, against a good side. “Obviously we’re in a bit of a tricky spot, with injuries and as you can see with the bench, we’re a bit short, some kids on there. “For a squad that is in a tough moment, I thought they gave everything, which is all you can ask.” Asked if it is tough to keep the heads of the players up when such efforts have gone unrewarded for six games on the spin, O’Neil added: “I think what I saw (on Saturday) is they’re fine. “They’re still fully committed. Obviously when you suffer a defeat, there’s a day or two where you feel a bit sorry for yourself. “But every time, by the next game, they look ready to go. “I thought they were ready to go on Saturday evening. Competed with Brentford, a physical side, direct, chuck the ball in your box a lot. “I didn’t think they looked like a side that were struggling to commit to what they were looking to achieve. “I thought they were unfortunate to come away with nothing. “Two-nil probably slightly flatters Brentford, obviously a goal on a counter-attack when we were in the ascendancy, probably against the run of play, and a scandalous penalty decision.”