Ten games to go, second in the league and what an opportunity we have!
We have put ourselves in a great position in the league and regardless of all the ifs and buts, the team and It’s management now need to kick on and gain promotion.The disappointment over the season with the draws from winning positions is understandably to the fore, but I would really like us all to focus on these next games and move on.
After speaking to Russ and Tony at length it is obvious we need to concentrate on these games coming up and not dwell on what has happened, it will not help at this stage.
Players are playing for contracts, management want to establish themselves at the highest level possible and we as a club want to move upwards and stop the sad slide of recent years.
With this hope does come disappointment, as expectations rise, giving us ups and downs, rather than just downs, I know what I would rather have.
Russ and the team know that they have the chance to make history and have already done that, with an amazing unbeaten run. However I will not let anyone relax as I have confirmed to Russ that if he wants someone on loan to improve and to push our current squad on, he can go and get them. That could be one or two more players before the window shuts and the money will be there for him, whatever it takes!
The current squad of players are fantastic and a pleasure to work with, but sometimes you need more, be that physicality, speed, strength, experience and the message is, “Go win your contracts, go and win for your club, prove we can do it with you and we do not need anymore players”.
We all know they can do it, they have to believe and even though we have had negatives in the crowd with these recent results, I have definitely heard a difference during the matches, a better voice for the lads from the terraces has been apparent and I want that to continue. We have those moments of exasperation when a pass goes array or we hoof the ball skywards, but in the next breath at the next good move you are there to cheer us on, we can ask no more, please keep it going.
You pay good money and have every right to moan when it doesn't go right, that's justified, but it is up to the players to ensure they lift you, by playing decent and exciting football and winning matches. I want Russ, Tony and the team to focus fully on these 10 games and to get the job done and that they will.
They will make you proud, let's all keep going and focus on the now, as that moment we all dreamt about in August, is now upon us.
We all talk about the Unity Fist, well maybe it is time for it to surface and this club to deliver a promotion, together!
Up the Iron
Peter Swann
Chairman