That Sinking Feeling

I'll begin by saying that I didn't see the Wimbledon game. But in a way I feel I did. Tons of perspiration, very little inspiration, lots of possession, a penalty shout denied, opposition create a few good chances, we don't. End result: all too familiar.

Lee Harper is perhaps the most well-liked Poppies manager I can remember. Honest, decent, wears his heart on his sleeve. Everyone wishes him well and wants him to succeed. He was dealt a poor hand when he took over and bore it without complaint. For that reason the dwindling hard core have been unusually patient - recognising that he was operating in difficult circumstances.

But that was last season, and even then there were concerns that - tight budget or not - Lee wasn't making the best of it.

However in the summer he was given the backing to reshape the squad and we all hoped that this would deliver a better, more entertaining team. Instead, by bringing back several former players, Lee did little more than strengthen the feeling that his contacts book was missing a few pages. Meanwhile, the glaring lack of service to the strikers remained unaddressed.

And everything since has just felt so predictable. We knew some of the opening games would be tricky, but they were last year too and after the same number of matches we had 12 points not 6. Looking ahead, it's difficult to see a run of fixtures that are easier than, say, Gateshead or home games against distinctly average sides like Rushden and Darlington. If we can't score against any of them, why will it be any different against Tamworth or Forest Green?

After each disappointing home result Lee has talked about working hard to put it right only for the same pattern to repeat itself. Worryingly, he has also slipped into the beleaguered manager's trap of blaming match officials or bad luck, whilst talking up our performances to a level that strains credibility.

Lee - whatever the plan is, it's not working mate. Unless we find a combination or method that creates more than half chances and a reliance on set pieces (poorly executed) we are in for a relegation scrap. Unless you have the solution, please - being the decent man you are - accept that you gave it your best shot but someone else may do better and move aside. No one wants to see you sacked but it seems to be heading that way.