NEW COLUMN: Are We Now At The Stage Of Do Or Die?

IT'S more in hope than anything else but it's my (large) gut feeling we are on the up.

We were sussed with the long ball tactics and ultra one dimensional approach ages ago and in all honesty our present position doesn't flatter us.

The 'midfield' has been a constant source of pain and watching them being bedevilled by opposition craftsmen all season has not been pleasant to watch.
It will be interesting to see if we can compete here, which we surely must, if we are to prosper.

It's the fact McAllister possesses the guile and experience in this very area that re-enforces my optimistic streak.

Playing with a combative and fully functioning 11 has been a rarity this campaign. If Wise had gone earlier Derry may still have been here and mirrored the Palace results for us.

I also doubt Thompson would have gone on loan under this regime to regain his fitness too. You see its all about the creative style and those creative teams are up there now.

I have no idea, given good coaching if we could better than them by the end of April, lets give it a good try though.



THE decision to pursue the return of the 15 points is laudable but what realistic chance is there of any decision being made this season?

With the speed legal precedence and legislation works you can look at similar cases in law and they rumble on and on.

Why not use the duress argument on day one of the season? It all looks like afterthoughts and lack of pre-planning.

As if that could be levied at our club... If we win the case and it's after the season ends can we start with +15 points next year? Why not?

There is also the chance everyone else goes down the pan due to the global credit crunch and we rise rapidly and victoriously as a consequence.

What we need is a certain former Chairman to weave his magic at Swansea and selected other Div One upstarts. Come on Peter, where are you in our time of need!



THE chances Bates has taken with the increased prices are probably not as steeped in folly as we all think.

Certainly from his perspective. If monies come into the kitty early who knows where it will end up if he decides to sell at the first opportunity?

The shenanigans of previous regimes might be about to be repeated come selling time.

Additionally, if we do well in the next few matches and the play-offs look a goer that may mean those who hesitated then decide to renew and pay the extra 10%.

The coffers are fuller. My first £80+ has already found its way out of my bank account and winging Zebras way.... Either way Ken looks like the likely winner here.

Grins and satisfaction all round then.

The legacy however, might be tougher to digest; I can't see a stampede for new season tickets at another 20% a throw.

The new incumbents may get a little burnt... Come to think of it then it might be time for do or die...