4
by DeePeeNCAFC
Small League 2 side with a small fans-funded budget underperforms after a couple of key injuries shocker.
Like a few fans, I've been impressed with the camaradarie and brave defending in recent weeks but less impressed with the lack of a Plan B or creative player who can turn a game.
The ups and downs of a small pro club sharing a pitch and training facilities - most such sides will have a good run then a poor run and their season fizzled out or, depending on your realism, is a fair representation of our club's standing in the Lge2 pecking order.
A couple of good FA Cup runs have shown the players' pluck, but equally poor showings in the Checkatrade Trophy in recent years show where we are in terms of ability (after all, like the competition or hate it it's designed for lower-league teams like us to grab a bit of glory).
As someone who thinks I have a certain knowledge of the game at this level there are things I would do differently (different formation to grind out results, players I would play in different positions etc) but I have to be realistic as I only see the players once a week live or in TV, as opposed to seeing them train 5 days a week.
The real questions for me are can we realistically afford better players or coaches at our level? I think I know the answer to that one.