The Lounge

[Devon Womble]

7 from 9? Given the turnaround in fortunes and my general cynicism, I’d have to think NA’s grovelling thanks to the Board were for the rumoured re-instatement of a Sports Psychologist. Nevertheless, whatever they stumped up for (again), has clearly had a positive impact.
To add even more cynicism one would have to wonder if the enforced discovery that a 3-5-2 formation works very well indeed might also signal some permanent changes in the roles our squad requires.
As we head into the last eleven games with just five points needed for safety, (I say “just” with still a degree of nervousness), thoughts therefore must be turning to the inevitable question of who stays and who goes.
‘Goes’ for me include Soares, Robertson, and Barnett without hesitation, while the age factor must play heavily against the evergreen Bulman, and of course Robinson (albeit that he has made an excellent Captain). Is it just possible that Fuller’s injury might also signal his demise too? For despite a few tuts here and there, most of us would probably agree that Francomb has at last found what he’s good at, and he does have a few years on Fuller.
Of course, any of the above permutations will leave some very large holes in midfield and defence.
Up front of course lies another dilemna though. Elliot will be almost impossible to hold onto, while LTB may think he’s done enough to dazzle a championship side. Poleon I’m thinking will see his future here, at least for another season.
All I hope is that whatever decisions are made by or for the club, NA finds enough of this season left to truly establish some of our best U21 hopes as regular first team members, for if promotion is next year’s dream, and allowing for the zero income for new players from cup runs this year, we will need them.

[MacWomble]

I just saw a league table that places our Gaffer as the 5th longest serving manager in the four top leagues in England. This surprised me. No job security in that business. He hasn’t done too badly overall, especially in comparison to many of the sad-sack managers of other teams. In our thinking of what the Gaffer needs to do next season to build a new team on booger-all budget, then perhaps we may not have this particular leader. After all, as every day passes, and with another successful season likely to be notched up, then he may be a tempting target for a team more cashed-up than us. If there is no money for him to do his magic next season, then maybe he might be tempted. After all, you have to think of the money, the family and the future in this world.

[Colum]

i’m not sure if MacWomble’s comment was penned before or after the resigning on Messrs Robinson, Barcham, and Nightingale.

I noticed last season how Neil Ardley had signed up players around this time of year, and he’s done it again. It’s an astute move. Not only does it make for an easier summer for him, it gives those key players the impetus to do well in the remaining games.

One point I picked up from the AFC Wimbledon accounts was how we were on a deficit budget. The main cause for this was the playing budget. It seems like we are punching above our financial weight, in order to attract the right players.

That’s great of course, but there is a potential issue around the corner if we’re not careful. A deficit budget cannot be used forever. We are all reaping the rewards at present, but how long can we continue like this? Are we building for a move back to Plough Lane, in the hope that it will increase our bottom line?

[Colum]

The Cobblers game was a tale of two stonewall penalties. Unfortunately one wasn’t given. The referee had a bad day really. All the more surprising when you consider he had bugger all to do for 90 minutes. Both teams tried to get the ball down and play football. There weren’t many chances, but it was a fun game to watch. Northampton defended in numbers and tried to hit us on the break. Something they did well. But apart from a couple of free kicks, they didn’t offer up much.

Trouble was, neither did we. Tom Soares actually had a decent 45 minutes (surprise surprise) before going off injured. Maybe that is the system that suits him best. Darius Charles was strong and intelligent. Jake Reeves was a joy to watch. He was everywhere. What I like about him is his ability to read the play, and direct things from midfield. I really do hope we can hang on to him. He was massive, but we misfire up front without Tom Elliott.

So back to that referee. Three decisions stand out. The first was a blatant deflected Cobbler shot that went behind. It took him an age to make a decision, before deciding he’d better do something. He flapped his hand around, before deciding to award us a goal kick. The Cobblers players were rightly incensed. The second was a free kick, a right decision actually, but the way we insisted on the ball being placed EXACTLY on the vanishing spot of foam, only to then insist that the defending wall was not one millimeter over the foam line, took an eternity. Then there was the penalty. If I’m generous, I could say his position was poor, but it was such a blatant handball. Surely his lineman who was no more than ten yards away must have seen it, and he should have asked him.

Anyway it was a 0-0 game from start to finish, but a fairly good one at that. We didn’t deserve to lose, but I’d rather win on Tuesday. Something the players were reminded of by the fans as they left the pitch. The atmosphere on Tuesday should be electric. Let’s just hope we bring our A game too. Bring it on.

[Colum]

According to Erik, it looks like we’ll have to ensure we smoke any illicit substances before entering KM on Tuesday!

[liamwimbo]

So the day we have to endure the Franchise scum at our place has finally arrived. I have many emotions today, not least of which is anger. Us fans have a big job tonight. To make the atmosphere as hostile as possible to their players and fans. But without crossing the line into violence of course. I’m glad the club has gone a fair way on treating them differently, especially in relation to the Dons nickname, but I would have wanted to go even further. However “In Erik We Trust”.

To me here in London, it feels a bit like a Cup Final. Probably because I have been watching the past glories and documentaries about AFCW on YouTube all morning. Whatever the result, we will always be better than them, but a win tonight would be something to savour for many years.

Never Forgive, Never Forget.

[Author]

Posts