January

We seem to be into an early January chill. There hasn’t been much snow locally but our first game of the year was postponed and the weather remains cold, but not freezing. This is not 1963,,but in 1963 we didn’t have the social media we have now. People were much more able to put things in perspective than go down rabbit holes encouraged by forums, chats and much else.

What does 2026 hold for us? It would be reasonable to assume that there is a possibility that the club will be under new ownership. If, by next Christmas, the takeover hasn’t happened I would be extremely concerned. Yet we are told that we are a matter of weeks away before the new owners park their cars in the spaces in front of the club shop and announce. I don’t doubt the sincere desire for this matter to be resolved, I just question the optimism, that things are as advanced as some sources have suggested. 

One clear indication will be the extent to which we become active in the January transfer window. The team needs strengthening. Our strongest performer tend to be our older players. Kris Dennis, Connor Jennings and Joe Murphy are coming to the final chapters of their careers. In Joe’s case it’s not so much a novel as an epic on the scale of ‘War and Peace’. Joe in particular can hold his head high regarding the service he has given the club, Connor too. Yet we need to look to upgrade and replace all three. We also need to strengthen all across the squad. This team is better than last season, but not much.

We already know that January will not see the return of Luke McGhee, who is apparently out for the rest of the season. He has put in some fine past displays. It is possible that we may see the return of Lee O’Connor and Omari Patrick. Both would be able to make a massive contribution. However, we should learn from the lessons of the past few months and recognise that players seem to pick up injuries on an on-going basis. This means that the squad needs more strength in depth. 

There are also some tough fixtures ahead. Bromley and Walsall at home, Cambridge away and then Salford at home. All teams pushing for promotion, teams who are going to be hard to get results against.  It wouldn’t shock me if we don’t improve our points tally over the next few weeks.

If that happens there will be the inevitable calls for Andy Crosby’s head. I think that Crosby has done reasonably well and wonder how well he could do with a squad with more depth. I suspect he is having to manage on a shoestring when he was hoping for a silk purse. Yet managers are the easy targets, particularly in times of uncertainty like this.

This feels like a make or break month, on and off the pitch. Time will tell. Meanwhile enjoy the football, respect the players and be kind to the fans around you.