Manager's reaction to City defeat at Pride Park

Last updated : 19 March 2007 By Michael Morris

"I think it will be between Birmingham, Sunderland, Derby and West Brom for the top two positions, but I can't pick them.

"We needed to win today to give ourselves a chance - to put ourselves four points behind Derby.

"But 10 points is a lot at this stage of the season with so few games left so we'll probably be fighting for that play-off spot.

"We're only three points off fourth position so it can chop and change.

"Sometimes it will come down to a bit of luck or a little break, but a lot of the teams are alike at the top end of the table.

"There are no easy games in this division and that will be proven right until the death.

"Sunderland come to us next and we've got to be fighting for maximum points so we make it difficult for them just as they'll make it difficult for us."


Billy Davies

"We looked a bit nervous in the first 30 minutes and we have done at this place all season.

"In the opening 30 minutes we never kept it, we never passed it and we never looked confident.

"And once we scored the goal I think we became a better team, but then, of course, we gave away a soft goal.

"Once we got in at half-time and got into a few heads then we came and out and did what we have done all season, which was put in an excellent second-half performance.

"I asked them to show a bit more belief because our play in the opening 30 minutes didn't reflect our league position and we were starting to think about other things other than our normal game.

"It was important a half-time to get one or two to believe in themselves a bit more - and that certainly happened.

"It was a big game for both teams and a tremendous three points."