Welcome to today’s game against Blackpool. Earlier in the season, Blackpool deservedly won at Bloomfield Road but since then both teams have had fairly up and down results. Both of us sit in and around mid-table with 20 games to go - so still much to play for!
We returned to winning ways last Monday against MK Dons with a strong performance, especially going forward where we looked consistently dangerous under the recently adopted 4-4-2 formation.
The last few games have reminded us all, I would think, of the unpredictability of football and the need to try to neither over or under react to individual games.
Having said this, it has been a challenging period. Although I try to avoid making excuses, I do feel we have had a very unfortunate run of bad luck with injuries, which has disrupted Pep’s ability to build stability and consistency.
This will also influence our plans for the transfer window, where we are seeking to balance the current needs of the squad with planning for the future.
I have said on numerous occasions there has been no change in our overall recruitment policy and we will hopefully be able to strengthen the squad with pace, youth and potential.
I continue to believe we are not too far away, especially when the squad gets closer to full strength and with a bit of good fortune in the window.
Over the past few weeks, I have been impressed by the resilience and spirit prevalent across the squad and the coaching team. This will continue to serve us well in the league and, hopefully, our continued progress in the Checkatrade, where we face a tough task against Charlton next week.
Off the pitch, Niall McWilliams has settled very smoothly into his new role and I am delighted with the appointment of Dan Harris as Head of Academy, which was announced earlier in the week.
We are also making good progress on our future training ground and hope to be able to announce our plans in the near future.
Turning back to today’s game, it is some time since we achieved back-to-back league wins. Today is a great opportunity to build on last Monday’s performance and continue our good start to the New Year.
As always, your support makes a massive difference. Enjoy the game.
COYY!
Darryl
You can buy the online version of the full programme from www.matchdayfix.com/oufc.