It
Again, it’s such a complex issue that one singular scapegoat is just too simplistic.
The fact that we started the season unfit played it’s part.
The fact that we started the season late, played it’s part.
The fact that our best players departed us, played it’s part.
The fact we started the campaign with a youth team, played it’s part.
The fact we had no balance across the park, played it’s part.
The fact that our defence was below average, played it’s part.
The fact that our midfield got overrun, played it’s part.
The fact our strike force was non-existent & offered no respite for that midfield and defence, played it’s part.
The fact we were under embargo, played it’s part.
The fact that we were - and still are - skint, played it’s part.
And let’s not forget that bad luck I referred to earlier. We were seconds away from 3 points against Exeter, we deserved all 3 points against Crawley, but didn’t receive any help from the referee with our stonewall penalty claims, and but for a freak misplaced pass against Oldham, we looked like the only team who’d win that game.
Who knows, maybe if we’d taken a deserved 9 points from those 3 games, instead of a meagre 2, then maybe our confidence wouldn’t have been as bad as it was, and we’d have had the belief in the side to play more adventurous, attacking football, instead of panicking every time we got near the oppo’s half.
I’ve often found that down here in the doldrums, too much emphasis is put upon formations & tactics. We’re not playing Premier League chess football, we’re Lg2 cloggers. The formula for success is simple... You need to be fitter, tougher & luckier than your opponents down here. Sprinkle in a goal-scoring starlet and a rock at the back, and you’ve got the recipe for a playoff chasing team.
MM made mistakes, sure. But with the situation at hand, I don’t think any manager would have been flawless.
'The fact we were under embargo, played it’s part.
The fact that we were - and still are - skint, played it’s part.'
While I agree with all you have said it does seem that money (or lack of it, or lack of availability of it) is the main reason for our woes.
Although the signing MM and his team was later than most on here would have wished it suggested a level of commitment by the Club that was a pleasant surprise to me, at least.
Disappointment soon followed.
I was, and, remain mystified, why steps were not immediately taken to lift the embargo and/or all other restrictions as soon as was possible after MM's appointment.
It is all very well to criticise MM and our early results, but the restrictions we were under prevented any recruitment. It is impossible for any new manager to prove his worth unless he can bring in new players. This might be an even bigger priority when the squad is you take over is made up most of untried youth players sprinkled with some experienced ones, many of whom are looking to leave asap.
Why was the embargo not lifted on MM's arrival? Lack of funds is surely the only logical explanation.
Subsequently, restrictions were lifted, and, Sam Hart and SimAk, were signed. JO was acquired on loan, and, our results improved, as did morale and attitude.
We could all see hope at the beginning of the month although I suspect many on here, like me, saw January as a crucial month because of the opening of the transfer window which would give us an opportunity to strengthen the squad. We also had six games scheduled in the month, four of which were at home, and, potentially very winnable.
We started well with a home win against Barrow, and, a good draw against Grimbsy. Although I was optimistic after the Grimsby match I remained nervous about the size and quality of the squad and thought it vital we bring in some new players. Our results had improved but we were still at the foot of the table and could not afford a bad run to be sure of escaping the drop, Relegation was, and, remains a real possibility
It surely was a matter of priority to bring in some new bodies by mid January. Earlier in the month some on SZ assured us that approaches had been made and 'good news' would soon be forthcoming. So far, just one signing has materialised.
Even without injuries and suspensions it is my belief that our squad is just not big enough in numbers or quality to withstand the normal wear and tear to consistently compete in League 2. This is because of the age and injury proneness of our older and more experienced players, and, the youth and inexperience of the rest of the squad. It is a tough and physical league.
There maybe good reasons why the requisite signings have not been made (obviously we have to sign the right players) but given our recent history the first reason that comes to mind is lack of funds.
All is not yet lost but soon might be.
Should the season end unhappily our failure to lift the embargo until November will, no doubt, be seen as a crucial factor. However, playing Barrow, Grimsby, Cambridge, Mansfield and Bradford (with four of these games at home) within the space of seventeen days in January without having added to our squad in either numbers or quality was really asking for trouble. That may also come to be seen as when our fate was finally sealed.
Is lack of money the reason for our recent inaction?
Or do valid reasons exist? (ie players changing their minds after having agreed to come etc)
Or is it incompetence and/or complacency by the club?
Money seems the likeliest reason, but, whatever the reason we may have wasted a golden opportunity to avoid relegation.