Well it’s been some time since my last blog to you folks, in
the time since my last update we have
beaten Nottingham Forests 42 league unbeaten run. We made it to 43, but
unfortunately lost to Charlton, in reality thinking back to it, I don’t think
anyone was too confident of us beating Arsenals record considering our tough
run of games.
Anyway 43 league games unbeaten is a wonderful thing, and
something that will be remembered for some time to come. However, the loss to
Charlton could be a blessing in disguise. We are no longer the focus of media
attention, we no longer have to continue running battles with Adrian Durham and
Gabriel Zakauni over twitter; and most importantly we can focus on winning
games rather than not losing.
Unfortunately for us, we have a rather long wait before we
can attempt to put this right and bounce back, Bournemouth is next on the
agenda, and is in my opinion a must-win game. Not only for the 3 points, but to
show we have reacted properly to this setback, and to set us up nicely for the
forthcoming games.
A mention must go out to the unbeaten run, and it should be
commended. We went nearly a year without losing in the league, however we didn’t
achieve our ultimate goal of promotion in May, and we still haven’t. We can
look back on it with pride, however if we don’t win promotion this season, then
it will lose significance. Not losing isn’t everything, winning is what
matters, and if any further proof of this was needed, then look no further than
Sheffield Wednesday; a side tanked 5-1 by Stevenage but still sitting pretty in
second.
Now onto the game itself... I think we dominated the game
for large periods, but when the first goal came in I never thought we would get
back into. With this Town team it seems possible to gauge their fortunes very
early on. Our attacks were repetitive and predictable and our defence failed on
two occasions. A goal early on in the second half may have changed it, but as
time wore on, and passes were misplaced my hopes of a result dipped. Yes we had
much more possession than Charlton, and yes we dominated the second half, but
we scored none and conceded two. Not a recipe for success.
However it was
pleasing to see Charlton give us so much respect in the second-half, and credit
must be given to them for the result. The first was the result of a fantastic
delivery, and their defensive display was nothing short of fantastic. They
stood firm, resolute and gave their all, and for that they thoroughly deserved
their victory. Perhaps we played the way we did because of the pressure
regarding the unbeaten run, and the added intensity of being live on sky, or
maybe it was just a bad day at the office. Oh well we move on, one result doesn’t
decide the season and we must put it behind us and kick on now. We all remember
how strong we were in the second half of the season, and If we do that this
season then there is no doubt we will be promoted, so fingers crossed.
On to the signings made, Jon Parkin and Alex Bruce on loan
from Cardiff and Leeds respectively. Two very astute signings I think, Parkin
is a similar player to Lee, and will probably provide more of a goal threat
than the big Irishman. Alex Bruce is a competent defender, and will hopefully
provide some stability to the defence, regardless of his family connections. It
wasn’t shocking to see Mccombe go to Preston on loan, as I think he has perhaps
found himself marginalised after his sending off against Orient. So if Parkin
and Bruce fit in, and play to their capabilities the team will be improved,
which is all we can ask for.
A special mention must go to Gary Speed, a fantastic
footballer, talented young manager and model professional who sadly passed away
last weekend. Thoughts must go out to his family and friends at this time. A
great shame and a very sad time for the world of football.
RIP Gary Speed
