I said a few months ago that I would be satisfied with a top 10 finish, flirt with the playoffs and then keep our key players and management team for a crack at top 6 next year. Whilst I do class the season as a success I can’t help but feel a little frustrated recently. The hammering of Lincoln got us all excited, we put a nice run together but seem to be found wanting at crucial times.
Maybe the smaller squad hasn’t helped in someways. It has meant higher quality players. I think we’re all in agreement there. And they seem to have a togetherness between them which is good. Yet it does mean playing more games with less chance of rest.
The thing surprising me the most is the recent inability to close out games.
As someone mentioned earlier, how do you close out a 1-0 win away at 2nd in the table, yet capitulate so easily at home either side of it. I know the business end of the season throws up some surprises, but for a Steve Evans side lose 2-0 leads twice in a week is an odd one. I recall the game management from his Rotherham and Crawley sides were so frustrating for the opposition to take but highly effective. I wonder what’s happened.