‘By all accounts we stank the place out’

So, the slump isn’t over.

I had the pure luck not to be at Saturday’s Weetabix derby with Shrewsbury. But by all accounts we stank the place out. 

An observer of the match report might say that we only lost because of a ridiculous goalkeeping error and a dodgy penalty. However, not having a shot on target against the League’s bottom side tells its’ own story. Any opinions I’ve seen from those who went follow the same lines; we did not show up.

This poor run of form has split the fan base a little bit; Many state that we’re 11th in the third tier, and given that we were playing semi professional teams a little over 18 months ago, we shouldn’t criticise. Others state that we can’t live in the past, that this group of players have served us well but this last six weeks shows that they can’t make the next step up.

I must say, I’m totally in between the two camps here. Yes, we’re in a really poor run and if you’ve paid good money to put fuel in your car or for a seat on a train, then had a five hour round trip to see an abysmal performance, you’ve got a right to vent. Of course you have. Our manager agrees with you

And believe me, he won’t carry passengers based on past glories.

But this is a bad run of form. This squad was good enough for the play-offs up until early November. I’m not saying that this should shield them all from criticism or even the exit door but we shouldn’t get carried away. It’s not like we have a squad that is totally inequipped for this level. What is clear is that a few will go, and that the recruitment in January will be the difference between this poor run ending and Rovers securing a mid-table place or better, or it continuing, and the nine point gap that stands between us and the relegation places closing.

Before then, Coventry City visit BS7 on Boxing Day. Almost every week I discuss the levels of crisis that our upcoming opposition seem to be in, but the Sky Blues are at the top of the tree in this field. Second bottom, in their worst run of form for nigh on half a century, owned by a hedge fund that has run it into the ground, and reportedly soon to be put of business. 

Usually I’d be as confident as possible about our chances, given that Coventry are the second-lowest scorers in the division. But we are so shaky at present, especially in the goalkeeping department, that the pessimist in me could just see them putting in a long shot early on, the ‘keeper spilling it (and, let’s face it, either available keeper could do that) and Coventry managing to hold onto a one-goal lead.

If we can dominate them in the middle of the park we should wrap up the points (with apologies for the worst Christmas pun ever). Their man to watch is Gael Birgirimana. He was on the fringes of the Newcastle United first team not so long ago and he represents a deep-lying  threat from centre midfield. Hiram Boateng and Stuart Sinclair will have their hands full with that one.

In better news, the planning permission was granted for our new training ground. This is just one step, albeit a significant one, in transforming the football club into a slicker, more professional outfit, capable of appealing to players for reasons other than money, and able to compete at the levels of football we are currently at.

We all hope that news on the long, long, long awaited stadium will follow this; It’s easy to be impatient. This scheme is now four years old, and Rovers have been looking for a new, purpose-built home since before I was born. And I’m over 30.

But, even after a rotten month or so on the field, we can say for sure that this grand old club of ours is in better nick than it was last Christmas.

James Hodges is Bristol24/7’s Bristol Rovers columnist for the 2016/17 season.