Cod Almighty | Diary

A wonderful winters' day, apart from the result

20 January 2020

Trentside Diary writes: It was one of those wonderful winters’ days on Saturday when you drive over the rise at Irby and the Dock Tower is sharp and clear ahead. Our famous landmark, for generations the marker for fishing boats returning to dock, is now the clearest beacon for exiles heading home for the footy. The crisp image augurs well for the football ahead, a sharp tingle of anticipation. We also know that it will be bloody freezing when the sun goes down.

I enjoyed what we did against Exeter. Yes we occasionally looked like a team where the newbies haven’t settled in yet but that was to be expected. First half I thought we outplayed them and there was a point when if we’d been in the second half and winning, olés would have broken out. There were questions from some around me about the fitness of a couple of signings but how much they run about isn't an indication yet. I remember Edgar Davids for Barnet controlling their play without running round like a demented Kevin Keegan. Let's allow them to settle in and then see what they can do.

There are some matches when you really deserve something and this was certainly one of them. There were signs of things to look forward to and of the players’ confidence growing.

I will disagree with the way Holloway’s comments on the fans have been interpreted by some. There didn’t seem to be anything negative in the ground but we weren’t bouncing like we used to years ago and only intermittent bursts of noise. Perhaps we've just had too long with little to celebrate. Hopefully, in time some of that will come.

There really are some numpties that follow Town. Fortunately the miserable git who usually sits behind me wasn't there so there wasn't any complaining where I was but there were a few elsewhere. As we were leaving, a bloke walking next to me said to his mate, "He should have had a win for his first home game. Don't think I’ll bother again." I thought at first he must be joking but their conversation confirmed that they really weren't.

Jeez, there's a lot of change I’d like to see at our club but it doesn't mean that we can't enjoy Town playing some decent football. I still want Fenty gone and someone with a genuine interest in regeneration of our club as well as the area in charge, but that doesn't mean I won't enjoy the team playing well. As Holloway has said, "Get positive, or get gone." You really wonder why some people go.

UTM. Fenty Out.