It’s been a hard week to be a Rovers’ fan. In all the heady optimism generated by Les Parry’s spending spree (ok they were all on loan but given our finances…) the lacklustre performance against Hartlepool was all but forgotten.
Predictions bounced around of last minute victories against Brighton, most suggesting returning ‘hero’ Robinson would inspire us to the victory we so desperately craved.
Alas, it all proved unfounded, and Rovers experienced a day straight out of their worst nightmares- comprehensive beating, lack of effort and a straight red for Robbo on his full debut.
I’ll be honest and admit I wasn’t one of the hardy souls at the Withdean (surely one of the worst stadiums in football?). But I’ve seen my fair share of collapses away from home this season- Elland Road and The New Den spring painfully to mind, the only highlight between them being a second half long range effort from Welsh in South London.
What next then?
Well, with Robbo serving the first game of his suspension on friday, it’s going to mean a change of personnel, and many fans are hoping Les will return to 4-4-2 and have a go at Norwich.
After all, he can hardly argue 4-4-3 is offering the protection he’s been espousing- after shipping 4 v leeds and 3 at Brighton.
And now that there seems to be genuine options and competition all over the field it would seem the time has come to have the courage to take the game to the opposition.
It doesn’t seem likely however. Les stated after the Oldham game he would choose a system and stick to it, and Les is nothing if not stubborn.
While the next two games may not decide the season, a return of ‘nil points’ would heap an awful lot of pressure on the 12 pointer double-header of Wycombe and Exeter to come.
Whatever happens, it looks like things are going right down to the wire.
Boys, if you read this- Ubi Fides Ibi Lux Et Robur.
