ant

Don't understand flogging Edwards at that price unless we've decided he has zero future here. If so, have we really given him the opportunity to prove otherwise? And as much as many of us dislike the 'player trading' approach, even in that respect it represents a meagre profit.

It's OK to attempt being a 'disruptor', but when all evidence - over a prolonged period - points to you being wrong... Well, only a fool would persist on that path. Self-belief only takes you so far.

Gao kept us on a relatively even keel, despite lack of funds. The current lot are systematically dismantling what's been built up since admin. Holding station would be preferable to continuing our tailspin. Ultimately my point was that holding Gao up as an example of a poor owner doesn't really wash given what we're currently faced with.

Things under Gao - whilst not ideal - were a world apart from this mess. A top tier finish of 11th and a finish of 15th (after Ralph lost the plot in the second half of 20-21 - yet still with a League Cup semi-final). Sounds horrendous. How do I get me some of that awful?

My take is that SR would be more inclined to reduce their losses by attempting promotion first. Especially given the evident level of self belief... We'll be looking at left field coaching hires from L2 or National League level before you know it.

This result was coming, it was just a matter of when. Our purple patch of scoring papered over the true extent of our defensive frailties. Now we're seemingly incapable of scoring more than a goal a game, it makes anything beyond a draw essentially impossible. Baffling decision after baffling decision has got us here. Unfortunately there's many more depths yet to plumb.

As bad as today is, at least we haven't just given a job to a coach that failed horribly at Charlton and Bristol Rovers. Ah.

Middlesbrough fully taking the piss - and fair play to them. Embarrassing watching us camped in our own half, unable (or unwilling) to go and get the ball off them. WHERE ARE YOUR POSSESSION STATS NOW?

I can't see when we'll next score a goal, much less win a match. Bleak.

FINALLY - the excuse I needed to print off that run of 'Greatest Era in Our History' t-shirts.

This attitude can get in the bin. Sold out away allocation after sold out away allocation - all over the country, including last season. Home attendances routinely within 10% of capacity. People have spent a LOT of their hard-earned supporting the Sport Republic circus - and I absolutely understand a lack of desire to cheer for it, because I'm there too. It's not even like vocal support really dropped off until a few games ago. Which, again, is totally reasonable. People have had enough. No wonder.

Timid. Half-hearted. Dull. The initial dynamism Eckert brought (or unleashed) feels a distant memory. And unfortunately I've zero faith there's the desire/know-how to revitalise or evolve us.

In isolation, 4 points from the Birmingham matches would be fine. But all in all we've had a grim end to the year. Needed to come out and show some mettle today. Yet saw very little to suggest things will get better.

Worth noting that Jelert made a really good run to get into a position to make the assist. Don't worry - we'll soon coach that out of him.

I'm so sick of watching us turn attack into defence.