Solid Back Four

Last updated : 17 March 2007 By Martyn Bowers

"Jonny was only passed fit yesterday, it was nice for him to get his first goal for us.

"The back four played very well, they have been different class in the last few months. I don't think Wardy had too many saves to make.

"The whole team played well, but the back four in particular impressed me.

"Two-nil is probably just about right, it would have been nice to finish off the game earlier. We had the chances, Dave [Connolly] had a good chance.

"I'm not going to sit here and say it was a comfortable afternoon, it was far from it; Hull came and made it hard for us.

"We fancied trying something a little different - 4-5-1 with Stokesy and Murphy having a bit of freedom if you like, and there were moments in the first half when it worked very well.

"With a bit more care in the attacking third, we might have got a second or even a third goal in the first half.

"Towards the end we went back to a 4-4-2, but it's just a game of football, really; I don't get bogged down by the tactical side of it.

"We've got a couple of weeks [break] now, a chance to reflect. The [international] break comes at a good time for us, we've played a lot of tough games, not just physically but mentally; we have been playing catch-up and it's tough.

"Nearly every game has been a must-win situation. In a couple of weeks' time we might have one or two of the senior lads back from injury, that will be a bonus.

"We're in the top two but it's not a time to judge the tables. If we finish second at the end of the season, we'll be delighted.

"We've got some tough games ahead. The priority was to win today and try to cement our place in the top six.

"We're still far from being in pole position but we're giving ourselves a chance, we've got to keep the pressure on the other teams.

"The players have been different class, I can't praise them enough. They'll get a few days off now, they've earned it.

"I'll be encouraging them to switch off, that's the name of the game over the next couple of weeks, to chill out.

"Jonny Evans has got a chance to be a top player. I spoke with the [Manchester] United manager yesterday, about Jonny, he's got a chance.

"But keeping him long term? There is probably more chance of England's cricketers winning the World Cup."