Sorry to say I found it to be a really tough listen. A worrying listen. Hopefully it's just because it was in the aftermath of defeat because if that's representative of the general vibe around the place then we are in serious trouble.
It is thoroughly depressing to have the leader of the club come across so resigned to and acceptant of defeat against a team in our league. Worlds most resources or not, squad of Avengers or not, we are in this league on merit and I expect us to go into every game with the positive belief that we can achieve a result. Toby Mullarkey in midfield, man. Come on now. Side note - I really thought we'd have been given some insight into that, bit of a let down.
We have always known what we are relative to some of the powers in this league but the problem is we appear to have lost the belief that we can go toe to toe with them. As we did with Notts County. As we did with Grimsby. At Chesterfield. The next thing you know that self doubt creeps into winnable game, and here we are.
Grimsby on Saturday, another big club with a big budget and great squad, albeit underperforming. How are we as fans supposed to turn up to these games expecting a spirited performance from our team when our manager plays down our chances against these sides?
As one of the lads has put in the group chat:
Football is so much about mindset and this leadership style of being a super realist doesn’t cut the mustard. We all know what he’s saying is true - as do the players. But the whole club needs to believe we can perform at a high level consistently, even if doing so is overachieving. This whole “poor us” mantra makes the wins feel like flukes and the defeats feel depressing.
I am absolutely sure that we had a better attitude when the season began, but it has gone missing and it needs to be reignited by Phil and Neil. If we don't get this back then make no mistake we won't be long for the National League. Can't mope about feeling sorry for yourself at this level. We have seen this play out before.
Go back to what got us here in the first place and get at them on Saturday, lads.