Monday Musings - PJ, are you man enough to do what is needed?
Monday, 12th May 2008 15:33 by Paul Redfern

Any forlorn hopes that some of the players will actually produce a fighting performance must have evaporated within a few minutes.

Of course it didn't happen. It was another abject defeat. Against a team that are going down with us.

PJ knows that his job is on the line. If he wavers over dishing out the P45s to those who most desperately need it, then he will lose credibility amongst the fans. He has to be bold and brave.

But it's going to be very difficult to offload some of our squad. Managers aren't stupid. They're not going to employ someone who is so lacking in spirit or doesn't have the stomach for any fight. Hence, I have no problem with PJ's post-match comments. He knows that to try and bluff another manager is going to be a waste of time. I reckon it was a calculated move on his part – saying to the world – “look - you and I know that these are a bunch of time wasters. But some of them will do a job for you so make me an offer.”

For us, what's so galling is that many of us, even those with no skill at all, turn out (or have turned out) week in week out for local teams, putting our limbs at risk from serious nutters who think nothing of attempting amputation by boot. And for what – because we play the game for love. It is the greatest game in the world – they play it on the beaches in Brazil, in the slums in Argentina, on the plains of Africa and on the school pitches in Europe.

When we play, we play with enthusiasm and as much vigour as we can. What we lack in skill we make up for with passion. And to think, these people are also paid to play! How many of us would swop our jobs to be paid to play football? Ok – there's also a caveat – we would need to pay the mortgage and so on, but most of us would willingly do it for a fraction of what some of those players are paid.

I can understand that it can be very difficult to perform well in adversity but the truth is the set-up is pretty good – and is getting better all the time from what I can see – the coaching, the link-up with Utrecht, and so on. It is a work in progress so surely some players would see the light and say to themselves – “this is going to get better and I want to be part of that”. It's certainly miles better than turning out at Torquay or Rochdale on a wet and cold November night. It is also certainly better than signing on the dole because you've got a dodgy back and your playing days are finished.

And so, it is this lack of stomach that so many of us cannot comprehend. It is the lack of: “I'll show the gaffer what's what”. It is the lack of respect for us – the fans. You pay your money and you can bl**dy well sod off seems to be the attitude.

Wrong way round mate. It's you who can sod off. So, PJ – get your hatchet out and start chopping. After all, there must be some Academy players who would love the chance to play for Derby County – and from what I've seen, in the reserve games that I've been to, there's no lack of keenness in the players. And yes, they'll be outclassed – like they have most of the season but at least they'll have earned their money.

PJ, we will be watching and seeing if you have enough cojones to do what's needed. Do it, we'll all be cheering – all of us frustrated and not-good-enough footballers. Go on...