My worry is that we don’t look like giving anybody a good hiding any time soon. Hopefully Appleton will be able to figure out some sort of balance as he gets to know his players better.

The buzz that comes with having a new manager will wear off soon and we just have to hope that the team have remembered how to win again by then.

And what I’m seeing in the last 4 matches is this: Ollie, as beloved as he was, had let things fall down in his last months. He was mailing in the team–almost literally. The teams fitness, sense of direction and belief were the casualties. In my view, Ollie is responsible for the lag we’ve seen. Frankly, losses could have been the result but thankfully, with some Appleton steel in the spine, they were only draws. (Does anyone think Ollie was responsible for CP’s recent wins? No way. That team was already buzzing. And now they’ve lost.)

Appleton is a totally different character from Ollie and the team needs time to adjust to his system and his leadership approach. I see good signs that they are–Kevin Phillips, Osbourne, Gomes & Bash are clearly all rejuvenated and front-footed, the defense is strengthened & finding new footing (even Broadfoot seems a hopeful prospect), and the over-staffed midfield is being sorted out (no small task). With Fletch and Matty out, Ince struggling and SuperKev only just returning, who thought goals would pour in? Not me. We shouldn’t blame Appy’s system. Ironically, considering Ollie’s approach, this team needs a bit more goal-scoring threat and it will have to find it from within. But goals will come.

For now, the team seems together, angry at drawing matches & primed to hand out a hiding to someone real soon. I’m quite hopeful about where we’re headed and frankly, with Ollie leaving, I didn’t think that would possible. I’m targeting promotion and I’m behind this team 100%. UP THE MIGHTY POOL!!