Work in progress reaps reward - Brian McDermott reflects on road trips...
leedsunited.com 15/11/13United manager Brian McDermott firmly believes last weekend’s win at Charlton was another sign that his team are very much a work in progess.
Ross McCormack became the first United player to score four goals in a league game away from Elland Road since the 1920s, as Leeds stormed to victory in south east London against a team who hadn’t conceded a goal in over seven hours.
“There were some funny reports after Saturday,” said the boss. “I thought we were good winners. I thought we had to play the pitch first and foremost and get the conditions right, which we did, and our finishing was excellent.
“I looked back at the Church penalty appeal which wasn’t – he didn’t touch him – and I look back at ours, and it was. He touched Danny Pugh. I thought the way we played on that pitch was right and we were good value.
“Their first goal was a worldie, sometimes you have to hold your hands up. Their second was great skill from Church. He got a bit lucky with the ricochet, but I have to say our performance merited the win.”
Saturday’s win was the first away from Elland Road since September 14, and was the third from eight on the road in the Championship this season.
“We’re learning,” said the boss. “We don’t want to lose games, but you learn from losing and it’s a sin if you don’t. I think the Huddersfield game was really important for us. We were disappointed to lose a local derby - we have to play them again - but we’ll learn from that.
“We nearly have a 50% win ratio away from home. The fact we lost four on the trot brought attention to our away form, but we’re learning all the time.
“I’ve got confidence in the club and the players and the staff. If you do the right things, the results keep coming. We’ll be consistent in our message. The players and staff are in a good frame of mind. There’s no doubt we’re improving all the time.”