Don’t talk to me about the magic of the FA Cup.
I imagine the other Town supporters at Spotland on Saturday left the ground with the same feeling that I did. Another first round day, another defeat. Only positives? Decent nearby chip shop and our first goal in the competition in nearly four years.
The fact that we’d conceded sixteen in the cup since Paul Benson’s effort in 2012, shows you the scale of our malaise in the world’s oldest knock out event. Still at least we’ve broken that scoring duck and maybe, just maybe, next year will be different.
Hopefully our results will be different from now on in the league too. Whilst it’s disappointing to go out of cup competitions early, what really matters is that our status is secured. Starting with a win against Scunthorpe this weekend.
New boss Martin Ling has now had the opportunity to see his side at first hand. Lingy will also have had the chance to work with his squad for a week. Already he’s set out his intention to play with two strikers against the Iron hinting at a more attacking formation.
It’s a crucial time right now. It might be said it’s still early in the season, but with the games ticking by, points won or lost now will be huge in the final reckoning.
What nobody connected with the club wants is a return to the league’s basement. We’ve seen that particular route too many times and we don’t want to go there again. It’s a time then, when we all have to pull together.
Okay, results have been poor and we’re struggling, what that means is it’s no time to turn our backs on the team. Yes, we all get frustrated. Yes, we may not be happy with what we’re seeing but that means everybody has to work a little harder to help turn it around.
To be honest there was a downbeat feeling on the supporters bus post the Rochdale game, but most will be at the County Ground on Saturday and at Fleetwood the week after.
As fans we want only the best for our team. Sometimes, as we all know, that doesn’t always happen. Many of us have suffered more than our share of bad times. When that happens and then the good times return, it’s all the better for it.
I’m not saying just accept any old rubbish and you have the right to express your point of view when you want, but maybe when you lose it’s more important to back your team than when you win. So at this crucial crossroads it’s fair to say “The Town needs you!”