Reply To: League Position

[Cliff Byrne’s Right Peg]

50 points was the target- we failed.

We have retained our football league status by virtue of 2 other clubs being simultaneously ran into the ground at a slightly faster rate of knots than we are.

I’ve tried to maintain a positive outlook throughout the season, and have, at times, being appreciative of the organisation instilled into the team to be able to hang in there and steal a win. In reality though, that’s all that’s really kept us up: stealing a goal on the counter attack- sometimes our only shot on goal- at the likes of Cambridge and Port Vale. Desperately hanging on in there like we’ve snatched a third round tie away at Old trafford with banks of 5 players camped up within our half in the 50th minute.

I don’t know the overall stats- I know we’ve broken a few records- but every game we almost NEVER force an opposition keeper into a save. I’ve followed the Iron since 98 and for all you could throw at us, you could never say we wouldn’t have a go. Even the shocking 03-04 year we entertained- This lot couldn’t lace their boots. Imagine having to watch that shit this year in person, crowds would’ve dipped below 2,500 regularly.

I’m apathetic to whether Cox stays or goes. As others have pointed out he’s only the symptom. He’s shown massive amounts of tactical Naivety, and whether his man management style is effective, is up for debate. Results speak for themselves and he was not able to put the brakes on as we were sliding into non league. That doesn’t bode well for the fight ahead.

His get out of jail free card this year is that this wasn’t his team; I’m clutching at straws but I hope during this last 12 months he has identified what type of player is required at this level and he and young Swann can build something resembling a battling league 2 side. Taft, Karacan and Howard have shown there is some small shoots of recovery. He won’t have the luxury of time next year though.

The injuries have been damn right ridiculous. Again, I don’t know how we compare to others, but it feels like the last 2/3 years we are buying second hand cars without checking under the bonnet. If we don’t get this addressed it could well be the difference between Bradford or Bromley.

The only positive is we wasn’t there to watch it. Time to draw a line under this shit show and move on.