As we approach 2024 it's tempting to think that things can only get better given how low we are as a club right now. Call me pessimistic, I'd prefer realistic but it is still possible for matters to get worse.
December proved to be whatever the month equivalent of an annus horribilis is! We exited the two remaining cup competitions leaving us free to focus on the league. Hmm we did so with all the visual perception of Mr Magoo!
We secured 3 points from 5 games mostly against weak or poor opposition. Our Achilles Heel (one of many) has been conceding late goals. Those against Cambridge were probably the worst but they are all of pretty much equal merit, if that is the right word to choose!
The team has gone backwards and the loss of Leaburn to injury has shown that Appleton really is no better than Holden even given a stronger squad overall that in fairness Dean didn't have.
The manager clearly has an issue with Louie Watson as he has demonstrated the his man management skills are as poor as his tactical and motivational ones. He appears devoid of any in all departments.
To the above, you can add that Appleton is one of the most passionless gaffers we've ever had. However poor the performances or results he seems totally apathetic. He doesn't even seem remotely bothered that his position might be in danger.
The only time he appears to be mildly irritated is the thought that the fans might want to see some good and winning football. Choosing to reference Curbs the other day was not a good decision. Where he differs with the fans is that we have ambition and a desire for better, he doesn't!
God knows we've had some awful managers over the last few years but Appleton is proving to be the worst of them. I never liked Robinson but I'd put him above the current boss. That tells you an awful lot!
Appleton set the tone and expectations at the beginning of the month. He couldn't stop going on about the January transfer window and getting in new players whilst removing some. In so doing he forget that there were some games in the meantime that needed attending to.
Appleton has used it as an excuse ever since. His post match comments are an irrelevance. He even seems to watching another game to the rest of us.
Despite throwing games away and constantly delivering sub-standard displays the manager has seen fit to select the same starting eleven. His desire to consistently reward failure is staggering. Nothing exemplifies that more than the selection of Fraser over Watson L.
Of course to heap all the blame on Appleton is a bit unfair as in large part we ought to acknowledge Andy Scott. Didn't he say he'd take the credit (ha! ha!) or blame if things went either way.
He did utter a few words the other day. To be honest I didn't pay much attention as it's actions more than any specious nonsense that we need. He's the one who has delivered us Appleton and a number of dodgy signings.
It doesn't look as though Appleton is about to leave probably as much due to Scott not wanting to have egg on his face in admitting the colossal mistake he's made.
Scott hasn't seen fit to comment following this disastrous run of games not even appearing the back the manager.
To remedy matters in both the short and long term Appleton needs to go. We then need to get a couple of fairly decent players in plus a manager with a proven record of success at this level.
All this should be done with an eye on the future and start now putting feelers out there and identifying players who have fight and a will to win and that can support the one or two decent player we do have.
We should already be planning for next season because this one's gone clearly.
Away from the football and on a more cheery note I hope that you and families have a good evening and may 2024 be good for you!
Let's hope that against the odds Charlton can deliver a decent display and more importantly 3 points tomorrow to at least start the new year in good fashion.
Come On You Reds!
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