Half term report - positives and negatives

[NickDRFC]

We’re halfway through the season having played 23 games. Here are the positives and negatives from the season so far as I see them, plenty to be positive about but also lots to work on:

Positives
+ (Starting with the biggest of them all) We’re in 3rd and in the automatic promotion places going into the new year
+ Joe Olowu is a colossus
+ Jay McGrath has been a revelation - he has shown some naivety with his passing and positioning but has largely been excellent this year and looks a real prospect
+ TSL had huge shoes to fill but has done a pretty decent job to date
+ We’re into the 3rd round of the FA Cup and also put in a credible performance at Goodison Park in the League Cup
+ We battered Grimsby again
+ We have a deep squad with plenty of cover for injuries and suspensions if/when they kick in

Negatives
- We would be 8th and outside the playoffs if the sides below us won their games in hand (NB not double checked this would definitely be true as some games in hand may be between these teams)
- McCann still doesn’t seem aware what his best team or even formation is
- Other than the odd performance it’s been a difficult watch for large parts of the season
- The signings have been largely underwhelming beyond TSL - Gibson has had the occasional moment but is nowhere near Adelakun’s level, ditto Kelly vs Craig, Clifton although busy hasn’t been as effective as Biggins was latterly, Sbarra has been a waste of a wage given how little he’s been used, Fleming & Yeboah not up to it. Despite the activity and size of the squad we don’t look any better off than we did in May
- Regression for several players, particularly Molyneux & Bailey who have really dropped off
- Sharp’s arrival has unsettled Ironside and the team as a whole
- The Close & Westbrook extensions were odd at the time and have become increasingly mystifying

Anything obvious (or less obvious) that I’ve missed?

[Alan Southstand]

Another positive - 1 signing agreed and another in discussion, hopefully in positions that need improving.

Another negative - swapping and changing all the time.

[Nudga]

I agree with all of that Nick, a good summary.

I think a big problem this season was the huge expectations after being spoiled in the 2nd half of last season and Grants declaration of going for the title and a busy summer recruitment wise.

It's kind of felt a bit flat most of the season.  This could end up being the most boring promotion in our history.
I don't care though, I'm just desperate to get out of this division.

[Juddy]

I am sure Billy and Joe are big mates,travel together from Sheffield and want the best for each other. Hope in the new year they have a friendly competition between themselves for goals and assists not really bothering which one wins but get some goals notched up

[mushRTID]

A concern more than a negative;

We really do need to get Olowu signed up. It feels like we will lose him if we don’t go up.