We’ve gone from a team this season which we thought could do much better to one that needs investment otherwise relegation looms
At the start of this season many were more optimistic about our chances- yes we did lose the likes of Tim Ream but after a confident pre-season and good start to the season with a draw against Derby County things looked reasonably good.
We thought Lennon had recruited wisely:
Derik Osede impressed during the summer as a ball playing defender and we were looking forward to his return form injury.
Prince Désir Gouano had a terrific debut having only signed on loan a day or two before having to face up against the likes of Tom Ince and Darren Bent and looked like an incredible find from Neil Lennon.
Gary Madine was in prolific form during pre-season and even when he didn’t score in his first few outings, you could see something in him.
Lawrie Wilson impressed as a hard working full back- while technically unspectacular he was constantly making runs forward to stretch the pitch and was always in the right place at the right time in defence.
We’d also brought in Stephen Dobbie who looked sharp in pre-season and while his CV didn’t exude confidence from the Whites faithful a late strike against Nottingham Forest silenced many of his doubters.
Italian right back Francesco Pisano boasted years of experience playing in Serie A as well as rapturous praise form Cagliari fans. He looked an exciting signing too.
Now Osede’s been looking (for lack of a better word) spastic when played out of position at right back. Prince looks shaky and nervous on the ball. Gary Madine looks incapable of scoring and sensationally lacking in confidence. Wilson had a bad game and now can’t find a way back into the team. Dobbie’s struggled to make an impact and Pisano has looked poor when given (albeit few) opportunities.
Meanwhile players who shone for us last season such as Darren Pratley and Zach Clough have struggled to make an impact. The former looks like the ‘Darren Pratley of old’ while Clough has been targeted by numerous defences as a danger man- thus receiving more attention from defenders and has been unable to adapt his game to this.
Now we’re a team with very little confidence. Only one or two players can be happy with their performances of late and we’re in dire need of investment. If we don’t get it, we’re probably going down now.
We can blame the lack of funds all we want but the bottom line if that many (including myself) said that this team was good enough to finish mid table.
I know many of you will be thinking ‘I knew this would be the case all along. You’re deluded. Neil Lennon is deluded etc…’
However, this team has showed that it’s good enough. We have put in several strong strong showings worthy of wins.
There’s just a cutting edge missing. Either Madine has to regain his confidence or Clayton goes up front and can show that he can hold his own as a number 9 or we get investment.
If that doesn’t happen, we’ll be in League 1 next year.