The Diary

Cod Almighty | Diary

January has April showers

30 December 2025

Blundell Park joy battled with relief to greet Justin Amaluzor's goal last night. The outcome was a pitch ripping player pile-up and possibly the loudest roar we've heard from the stands since the Fitties Rumblers of August 27th. To a neutral, the reaction might seem out of proportion for a late winner in what amounted to a lower-half division four bunfight. To Daubney, who stores up all his optimism for those who need it most, it could be a turning point.

A nine league match drought had sapped belief from the players and the life out of us. Town's knack during the spell of turning routine wins into draws, and in some cases losses, whilst a useful skill for a slow bicycle race, is problematic when mounting a promotion push. Hairline doubts quickly become unbridgeable chasms and stumbling players unrecognisable from those who waltzed around opponents in September. 

Confidence was shot and you can't do anything without confidence. Case in point, one of the nine slow bicycle heats was that more-painful-than-most defeat against Tranmere. In that match Darragh Burns had a body-swerving, Ivano-like flicking fifteen minute spell following his goal that gave us a glimpse of what he is capable of. Then Kristan Dennis showed up, with the loss of the three points being the tangible, but not only, setback. 

We've players across the squad who like Darragh can use the result last night as a springboard. I can't put it any better than John Lewis did last night on Twitter.

Fully intending to sound like a broken record, the answer probably isn't in the January window. Plus we're in the ha'penny place when it comes to needing reinforcements. Many approaches have been adopted during Daubney's 45 years of accepting Town defeats. The current tactic is a complete news blackout until the next game, whilst sporting a pained, wincing expression that causes great concern to the medical profession and those unfamiliar with my football affiliation.

Conversely, last night a good two hours were spent clicking my heels around the house and basking in the glowing rays of three point positivity. This was followed naturally by the yang of a surf on the waves of social media misery of our rivals. Wiping away the rabid froth, it is clear precisely 23.5 teams in the division need on average 17.78 players during the window. 18 teams need new managers, 13 want to sack the board, and several need new owners. Fishing in that pond of desperation might just pull out a reed-covered shopping trolley with a missing wheel.

Not to say that everything is perfect. If it was, we wouldn't be 15th in division four. I have questions about long balls being pinged at Jaze or Jude or *insert not a 6ft 4in lump here*. I also have questions about Doug Tharme, rock-like defender as he may be, dictating the play as our midfield potter about waiting for something to happen. I'm hoping these are the sharp edges of broken confidence on show and not, as some have perceived, a side who has been found out. Time will tell, starting with the trip to Fleetwood in just two days. Bring it on. UTM.