Plymouth 1 Pompey 0: Gaffer For A Day

Tony Brooks, 43, from Fratton, gives his verdict on Pompey's League Two play-off semi-final defeat.
Gary Roberts shows his frustration at the final whistle. Picture: Joe PeplerGary Roberts shows his frustration at the final whistle. Picture: Joe Pepler
Gary Roberts shows his frustration at the final whistle. Picture: Joe Pepler

How are you coping with that, Tony?

I am gutted, absolutely gutted. We were sucker-punched, what a cruel way to go out of the play-offs.

We were under the cosh for a bit but were coping with Plymouth, although Marc McNulty wasn’t getting the service and they seemed to snuff out Gary Roberts.

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We were not the same team we showed at Fratton Park, while Plymouth appeared to have learned and were more effective against us.

Another late goal?

We have been sucker-punched all season with late goals.

The defence need to keep their concentration for the full 90 minutes

It has cost us promotion. Think of Exeter City, Morecambe, Stevenage, we would have been in the automatic spots.

Not taking anything away from Cook, who has done well this season and I am pleased with his contribution.

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Now let’s buy McNulty, also bring in Caolan Lavery and let’s set this league alight.

Who stood out for you?

Michael Doyle was outstanding again.

He really has played his heart out for us this season.

For me he is our player of the year.

He has led the team superbly and makes things happen.

It was noticeable last night that they man-marked him because they were aware of his influence on the team.

Doyle was not allowed the freedom, Plymouth closed him down but he was still our best player and is a born leader.

What next for Paul Cook?

This year has been beyong my expectations, I am definitely happy where we have got to.

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Cook has brought this team together and just imagine what he can achieve after these first 12 months.

We need a big promotion push next year and I certainly think we can achieve it. I also love Cook’s passion.

The spine of the team is there with the likes of Christian Burgess and Doyle.

Now we need a goalkeeper and a centre forward to add to it.

We have come on in leaps and bounds, just look at our away form, and I am looking forward to next season.

Tony’s ratings: Ryan Allsop 7; Ben Davies 7; Christian Burgess 7; Adam Barton 7; Enda Stevens 7; Michael Doyle 8; Danny Hollands 7; Gareth Evans 7; Gary Roberts 7; Kyle Bennett 7; Marc McNulty 7