It’s been said before by myself and by others that no matter what division you are in, to be successful requires leadership whether that be from an individual or from 2 or 3 players. Over the years I’ve seen us promoted 3 times and every promotion I could point out the leaders in that said team. From the premiership you had Redfearn, Thompson, Sheridan, Wilkinson and Hendrie all through either experience or through pure leadership guided us to our best ever finish. The 2000 playoff team had Morgan, Chettle, Hignett, Shipperley and Geoff Thomas all as individuals either leaders or experienced players who knew how to dig in. 2006 we had Reid, Hassell, Kay, Howard and McPhail all who were good characters amongst others, but genuinely knew how to dig in and grind a result out. More recently the 2016 squad who had a young team but amongst those were players who could be nasty and wind up the opposition and one or two who still are captain material. Hourihane, winnall, Mawson, Hammill, Scowen all played a major part in being good characters to get us up. Players you could rely on when the going got tough (which it did in November 2015). They didn’t let the bad form get their heads down and went on to perform a remarkably great season. This squad seriously lacks any individual characters who can put a foot in and wind up the opposition or a true leader who can organise the team on the field and “gee” them up when the going gets tough. We’re a good side on paper and can dominate teams with shear ability but sometimes shear ability isn’t enough and u need a couple of Nasty ******** to grind you out of a dog fight. Football is won in a mental battle sometimes as teams can get under your skin. It’s how you react to that what makes a good team. We’re a good team, don’t get me wrong but to be better and make a statement of intent, we severely lack leadership and guile. Something we must address in the next window. Not just one player we need. Maybe two or three. Why we don’t sign the odd old head in late 20s or early 30s is silly just cos it breaks the mould of our so called “plan” The plan should be promotion and if that means breaking a rule or two then so be it
I think anyone who has ever watched football for more than a few games would be able to tell you a blend of youth and experience is important for success. Let’s see if the board can get it right in January. 3rd time lucky.
