Last week we made the long trip to Rugby, marking the mid-point in our season so now seems as good a time as any to review where we sit

There is no hiding from the fact that this has been a hard start to life back at Tier 3. We are in a professional league, and we are seeing that far more pertinently and effectively than we ever saw in the league below. Not just the Full Time teams, but everyone. Their set up, understanding, ability, rotation, knowledge, recruitment, organisation, structure, communication etc etc etc. They are all at an incredible level. We have been found out in that and have had to excel and progress quickly: on and off the pitch, something I think we can say we are doing with some pride

Results have been mixed. We’ve seen some exceptional performances and wins, each one in challenging circumstances, but delivered with some identity and pride. We’ve also had a fair share of big and humbling results against us. We’ve yet to crack that barrier to claim something from the ‘haves’ – a target I am very much setting for us as a big marker for our profession, when it does happen

As I’m sure you’re all aware, we are low on numbers. At this point of writing, we have 8 first team players unavailable for selection for various reasons. All talented, committed and driven people who add a lot to our environment, so each is a big miss on the day to day, let alone the game day. Whilst we do not live in excuses here – a trait I’m proud to say we’ve proven over the years – I would struggle to find any team who could maintain and progress with such an array of talent missing, and that’s the reality of where we are at

We are seeing in front of our eyes a groups of young players continue their development however, to add a silver lining to this

The season started 3 months ago, almost exactly to the day, against todays opponents. This is what you call a benchmark moment for us to see how far we have come from that opening day humbling. We took a lot of pride from our last encounter with Burnley, last month, but ultimately ended up short. Our priority today is to be competitive

In all my time at this club I have made it my priority to take all responsibility on the limitations on the team, squad and club. I am the manager and hold that position with pride. Know that each result hurts, and I am doing everything to prep, grow and improve what we are offering. We will continue to be a successful club.

Keep Roaring us on

Chris