After picking up a credible point at the league leaders, it was time for this Town side to show if they could go to the next level and pick up positive results against Carlisle Utd and Walsall then we would know if a playoff campaign was on the cards or mid-table mediocracy.
Sadly, from the results and noticeably the performances, we can only see a season of wasted potential with eleven games still to go.
With thirty-three points still up for grabs, some would say it’s insane to dismiss any chance of promotion, and with Town only six points from the playoffs they could have a point.
But going by recent performances and the unbalanced nature of the squad Jody Morris has inherited, it’s the only conclusion.
There is zero doubt the handling of recruitment over the entire season has been a factor in our underachievement.
I still believe we have talented players inside this team, but unlike last season, we haven’t got a settled eleven, which is vital if any side wants to achieve promotion.
One of the biggest highs in recent weeks has been the arrival of George McEachran, as the former Chelsea man has come straight into the side with ease.
It’s clear from his general play why he was highly thought of at Stamford Bridge as a YTS, but after not finding the right place to ply his trade, he can now call SN1 his home.
With the Head Coach confirming this week that the club will be activating the extension clause in his contract, he’s someone Morris can build his team around next season.
With this campaign now looking like a pre-pre-season for Jody Morris for next season, he needs to let the leash off his side and let them show what they can do.
There’s no point sticking with five at the back and boring the opposition and the fans to death when we travel to bottom side Rochdale this Saturday.
Morris needs to play four at the back, put trust in Tom Clayton and Tom Brewitt at the heart of the defence, Remeao Hutton and Marcel Lavinier as full-backs, the impressive McEachran as the holding DM, Jake Cain and Jonny Williams in the middle, Charlie Austin through the middle, with Jake Wakeling and Rushian Hepburn-Murphy either side.
I firmly believe the Town faithful would rather see their team on the front foot instead of playing a back five with two holding midfielders.
Lastly, i’d like to wish you all a Happy Sir Don Rogers Day!
Fifty-four years ago, Town achieved what was thought by most the impossible by beating the mighty Arsenal 3-1 to lift the League Cup at Wembley in front of nearly 100,000 inside Wembley Stadium.
It will always be one of the biggest achievements in English football history.
Peter Downsborough
Rod Thomas
John Trollope
Joe Butler
Frank Burrows
Stan Harland
Don Heath
Roger Smart
John Smith
Peter Noble
Don Rogers
Willie Penman
And Danny Williams.
Thirteen names will always hold an important place in our beloved club’s history.