Cod Almighty | Article

by Jase Ives

27 October 2015

As the Mariners prepare for a televised showdown with second-placed Cheltenham, Jase Ives argues that the prospects for promotion remain strong

So here we are, approaching Fright Night. It's a term generally used when our non-chairman is about to speak via social media. Thankfully, that's a lesson that's been heeded this season. This time, Fright Night is the build-up to our appearance on BT Sport for the visit of high-flying Cheltenham.

We are three months into the season. It's been a strange old one for many a reason, hard to sum up. Mariners supporters, who in some eyes are very quick to turn on their side over the years, are torn between how well, or how far under par, we are currently performing.

Before the season began, Mariners fans found optimism in an agonising play-off final defeat to Darrell 'We're Better Than Them' Clarke's Brizzle Rovers – a game decided on the finest of margins and Jon-Paul Pittman's attempt to land on the moon with a football. Bugger the expense, imagery and research that the ISS or NASA do. We do things differently round here.

The penalty shoot-out defeat sparked such emotion, such empathy, towards the season-long efforts of management and players, that for once everyone was singing from the same hymn sheet. The target? Promotion. How to get there? Support – raucously, vociferously, encourage. Publicly back the manager and players. It turned into a fantastic, admirable and much-publicised team effort, Operation Promotion, led by the Mariners Trust, but supported and more than matched financially by Mariners near and far.

Strengthened by this display of unity, Town went into the season on a high. Pre- season brought new signings to add towards an already capable squad. Supporters were optimistic. The opening day at Kidderminster was a show of support, strong in numbers and voice. Even the late disappointment of a late leveller – although sickening after a dominant display – quickly evaporated with our thoughts instead on a side with potential. That potential was plain to see in the following home displays; goals aplenty and a strike partnership which flourished.

This season, even after a disappointing display or result, not once has the support turned on the manager or players. This season everyone is in it together, for the long haul

The season ticked along. There was a disappointing result at Altrincham and the only real let-down at home was against Macclesfield. The general consensus was that "we'll be OK". Some under-par performances from individuals have been criticised, while at the same time the said players were publicly backed by the management team.

Disillusionment in squad rotation, particularly up front, has sparked many a disagreement. Conceding more goals than last season. Drawing too many games. Sitting ninth in the table for a while. It was bound to cause a stir. The expectancy this season is probably higher than ever before.

But this season is different... isn't it?

Yes, there have been one or two rants on social media. There always will be. Some people are happy being unhappy. Some people lead such a sad existence that they get enjoyment from others reacting. That won't change.

But nor will the fact that, this season, even after a disappointing display or result, not once has the support turned on the manager or players. This season everyone is in it together, for the long haul. Supporters can never and will never all have the same thoughts. Even a group of friends will have different opinions. But the vast majority this season can see and appreciate the chance we have of finally getting back into the Football League.

It can't happen overnight. There will be bad days. But the overriding feeling is that we are not in a bad place. There has been no evidence of a side good enough to run away with the promotion spot. Sides in this league are inconsistent. The strength of opposition doesn't appear to be as good as previous seasons.

We have a decent squad who despite sitting pretty in a play-off position, we can see, have the ability to improve. Both players, and management have experience of what is needed. We have a captain who defies his age, continues to lead and sets a brilliant example. We have a forward partnership, a group of forwards, that others would love to possess. We have in Nathan Arnold a match-winner. We have a squad that play for their manager. And we have a manager, who despite being in the job a while, is learning and continuing to learn. While "keep us shape" can be frustrating at certain times, no-one can doubt the consistency of our results under Paul Hurst. That consistency could be key.

So let's continue with the support. Doubters are entitled to doubt, but maybe, just maybe, it is not so bad.