Read what Chairman Paul Hornby has had to say in his column for Tuesday night's Matchday Programme.
Hello and welcome back to another game at The Progression Solicitors Stadium. As we approach the business end of the season the games come thick and fast, and I've already heard one comment that we play something like every four days, on average.
It wasn't the result we wanted on Saturday, but I think we could all see the quality Cambridge United possessed, which made them league-leaders. They've had half a season to get into that rhythm, which always makes any changes at the mid-point more of a risk. It's still very early days and I'm confident that, in the coming games, we'll start to find our feet and the quality we've acquired shines through.
There has been much debate about the 22 named squad and the changes we've had to make. As a Board, we are fans too and, as I recently commented on the radio, we never really replaced those players who departed last year. At the managerial interview process we asked the candidates for analysis on the reasons Barrow occupied the lower reaches of the table and it was abundantly clear it was a lack of league experience, energy in the middle and probably a little bit of quality on set plays. It was always going to be a tough run of games implementing these changes as you don't always get a quick fix.
In many ways it takes me back to the first season returning to the National League. Darren Edmondson departed, and Paul Cox didn't get instant results until into the New Year. It was the start of a new dawn in February 2016 and I'm almost sure from that point we were pretty much undefeated in that calendar year. We had a 20-something game unbeaten run and a Third Round FA Cup appearance. What I'm trying to say is that we need patience and trust that we have the right players and that we just need to get into rhythm ourselves and who knows what's around the corner.
Finally, we extend a warm welcome to Exeter City who have made the long trip North. Hopefully, it's not been too much of a drama as I understand the country is covered by snow. The frost covers have been on from Sunday to ensure we have done everything possible for the game to go ahead so thanks to all those who worked the weekend. It doesn't go unnoticed and is much appreciated.
Enjoy the game, everyone.
Paul.