A win is a great win for Woodgate

Jonathan Woodgate had sympathy for the players and what they have been through in the last week. He might have felt different if the team didn't win against Birmingham, but the players managed to perform and got that all-important win for the interim manager.

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It's hard to think how the club would have coped this week if it had been another defeat. So to beat Birmingham was like a tonic. It has set the ball rolling again and got the team looking forward again which was vital. The first half an hour wasn't great but after that, the players reacted well when they went behind and really gave their all.

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The players could have put their heads down again when Birmingham City made the score to 2-2, but they took up the challenge and wouldn't be denied. We haven't seen enough of that in the recent past. Woodgate stressed that he needed to make this a team. There are good individuals at the club, but Woodgate wants to hear more voices of leadership and a better team vibe. 

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Woodgate seemed keen to talk about Wilshere and Danjuma as the sparkling lights of the team in the weekend's performance, but he also needs to get David Brooks firing. Shane Long may need a few games to get into his stride, but the early signs are good with him getting shots off and hitting the bar on one occasion.

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It will be a difficult next game away at Burnley in the FA Cup and Bournemouth won't be favourites. Still, they have more of a puncher's chance now than they might have had. They are looking to grow and develop, and Woodgate has been saying the right things that seem to have been taken on by the players.

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