After an early wake up to watch that game due to currently being away, I’ve been sat here thinking about it and about this season to date, in general.
Without wanting to state the obvious, the team just isn’t clicking right now is it. Many are talking about this so called abundance of riches, but do we actually have riches in talent, or have we just gone and spent an abundance of riches on players who don’t really look like upgrades.
I keep finding myself comparing this lot to the side that took us from League One to the Prem. That team was relatable, likeable and properly lived that running towards adversity mantra and never ever could be questioned for heart, their desire and the will to win at all costs. They weren’t perfect, but they felt like our players. They were the kind of side you fell in love with, which we all did.. And as the saying goes, it’s better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all. But now I find myself looking at the new crop through that lens and maybe that’s unfair. Maybe football is about moving on. But it’s tough when you look at the money spent and wonder if these lads are really an upgrade on the ones we felt such an affinity with.
Tonight was a chance to take three points on the road and gain some real momentum. Did we make too many changes. Maybe. But honestly, with the money we’ve spent and the fact these lads train together every single day, it shouldn’t matter. On paper, we should be beating Bristol City away. No excuses. We played a steady, organised side and once again created very little.
If we are honest, this season has been all too average far too often. Birmingham, Southampton, Preston, Derby… all nothing special. Bromley was embarrassing. We beat a poor Sheffield United and managed half a showing against Pompey. So, when does it click? Are we too stuck with Plan A with no Plan B, even after all that investment. I still don’t see a proper upgrade on Chappers in the 10 and despite the millions spent wide right, the most effective winger we’ve had in the last eighteen months came from Fleetwood for fifty grand and a bag of Monster Munch.
I am not saying panic. McKenna is still one of the brightest young coaches in the game but maybe even he needs a bit of reflection. Maybe we should focus more on what we have in the building, play to those strengths, instead of forcing a system that does not seem to currently fit. How do we win when teams sit back, frustrate and counter. Call it transition, higher ceilings, transfer models, philosophies, culture, bedding in, whatever word you want to use, the reality is we are struggling to adapt right now.
All eyes on Sunday and for me, the Blue Action bus welcome is spot on. A reminder of what this club means to us and how much this game matters. Players, staff, fans, we’ve got to be in it together.
[Post edited 1 Oct 2025 1:49]
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