Time to get on-track on the road
08/11/05 | by Elliot Stanley

"It's early days yet." The age-old Football cliché that’s spanned generations, but is still used with alarming frequency today. Don't get me wrong, I fully subscribe to its sentiment; what I disagree with is the inference that losing games now doesn't matter. Of course it matters; win them now when the pressures off and it stays off. As we well know, being in need of five or six wins with only eight games remaining is a strained and usually impossible situation to be in.

If we are honest with ourselves we need to start winning our away games. Not soon, not gradually, but now. We need to go to Bournemouth this weekend and play like the pre-season favourites. Not be overawed by the fact it’s a 'massive' day for Bournemouth, not feel out of place getting changed in a small poky dressing room or playing in front of single tier stands. The problem, as I see it, is that we have the required level of arrogance when we step out at the City Ground; it's our patch and despite a couple of early wobbles its becoming a fortress. Away from home we look scared, out of our depth, disjointed and devoid of all attacking prowess. 

Disregarding the Weymouth debacle, we've threatened to murder a few teams on Trentside this season. Unfortunately bad finishing has meant that is yet to happen, we could have had five or six against Bradford, Hartlepool, Bristol City, etc. Now's the time to get the shooting boots on and fill up the confidence meter ready for the Bournemouth trip. 

Defensively we look so much better with Paul Gerrard between the sticks. I'll make no secret of my severe dislike for both Russell Hoult and Gary Megson's despicable treatment of Gerrard. His performance against Bradford was nothing short of superb and for Megson to come out and praise him doesn't go nearly far enough, although the chances of an apology are, I suspect, slim to none. With Breckin now established as captain and looking solid, Eaden at last starting to perform and Padula still to return when Megson realises he is left footed (surely this is noticeable in training?) we look in good shape.

Eugen Bopp is, at long last, starting to show the talent we all knew was lurking inside; he adds a touch of flair to the team and his time has surely come. I have heard criticism of Nicky Southall on more than one occasion, although being honest I find it hard to consider as his hard-working, simple approach works well and his passing ability is excellent.

Player of the Season, barring injury, January transfer raids or a Johnno goal spree will, undoubtedly, go to James Perch. Combative, resilient and assured, the local lad who seems to take it all in his stride has come on leaps and bounds and is now a – if not the – vital part of our team. Gary Holt was another player to excel against Bradford; those who think he is solely defensively minded should take note of his passing ability, evident in abundance last weekend, alongside his defensive qualities. 

Goals are still in short supply; will this problem ever be solved?! The usually-clinical Jack Lester missed a couple against Bradford, although one chance does have to go down as a superb save, not forgetting the fact he was hauled down en route to goal leading to the dismissal of Darren Holloway. I would still regard Jack as our main striker and hope Megson feels the same. With Johnno back on the score sheet at last I would hope, and expect given GT's suspension and Dobie's injury, to see these two line up again at Bournemouth. 

With January fast approaching the question of strengthening is no doubt at the forefront of many a mind in and around the City Ground. Megson has reputedly enquired about, and subsequently been turned down by, no fewer than seven forward men in recent weeks. Whether refusal was by club or player and whether the deals were on a permanent or loan basis wasn't disclosed but a talented front man must surely be number one on Megson's Christmas wish list to Mr Claus. Nathan Tyson still hasn't turned us down, nor has our bid been rejected and I believe if we could get him to the City Ground we'd have a good chance of signing him but again it’s a world of speculation.

A good Christmas, Johnno hitting the goal trail and Jack continuing to bang them in, and a striker may no longer be such a necessity. That said, the long-term benefits of having a Tyson or player of similar age and ability on board are well worth the investment. One question that does merit an airing is how well would Spencer Weir-Daley do if given a starting place each week at a club like Wycombe? Pretty well I suspect so maybe more than a cameo substitute role is on offer for the young protégé.

All in all the season hangs in the balance, three points off fourth place and ten off the top. Surely, with a real Christmas and New Year push, automatic promotion is not only achievable but a real possibility if the illusive away form rears its head? Here's hoping starting with a trip to the seaside on Saturday!