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Tin Monkey · 14-04-2007, 20:06

I can't help asking, what's changed between the beginning of the year and now? We couldn't buy a win at one time, now i feel that we have a chance of getting something from every game. I think the answer lies in the following areas:

1) Sorting out the defence - we have scored 65 goals this season and are amongst the highest scorers in the league, but we have conceded 74 goals and that's been the problem. We now have a fairly settled back 4 and in loanee Godwin Antwi (Liverpool) we have one of the most promising defenders in English football. Add to that a proper goalkeeper (David Martin - Liverpool) and we don't look like shipping tonnes of goals anymore.

2) Having a virtually fully fit squad - I know this will sound like an excuse, but we have been plagued with injuries this season. Even when we tried bringing in new players they picked up injuries which kept them out of the game for months at a time. Having a little strength in key areas means that we can alter tactics during games, especially when there are alternatives on the bench.

3) Belief and confidence - there is a real belief in the team now and a confidence that hasn't been there since Roberts and Craney left in October. Going into games when you expect to get something is obviously better than going into games where the team is beaten before the first ball is kicked.

I'm not trying to say that Stanley are the best team in this league, but there is now enough quality and belief in the team to survive this season in the league (something that didn't look possible 2 months ago). John Coleman has done an amazing job this season on a minimal budget and in the face of a million obstacles. I for one applaud him and wonder what else he can achive at Accrington.

14-04-2007, 20:06	#1
Tin Monkey Senior Member+ Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: West Yorkshire Posts: 4,769 Liked: 160 times Rep Power: 1140	So, what's changed? I can't help asking, what's changed between the beginning of the year and now? We couldn't buy a win at one time, now i feel that we have a chance of getting something from every game. I think the answer lies in the following areas: 1) Sorting out the defence - we have scored 65 goals this season and are amongst the highest scorers in the league, but we have conceded 74 goals and that's been the problem. We now have a fairly settled back 4 and in loanee Godwin Antwi (Liverpool) we have one of the most promising defenders in English football. Add to that a proper goalkeeper (David Martin - Liverpool) and we don't look like shipping tonnes of goals anymore. 2) Having a virtually fully fit squad - I know this will sound like an excuse, but we have been plagued with injuries this season. Even when we tried bringing in new players they picked up injuries which kept them out of the game for months at a time. Having a little strength in key areas means that we can alter tactics during games, especially when there are alternatives on the bench. 3) Belief and confidence - there is a real belief in the team now and a confidence that hasn't been there since Roberts and Craney left in October. Going into games when you expect to get something is obviously better than going into games where the team is beaten before the first ball is kicked. I'm not trying to say that Stanley are the best team in this league, but there is now enough quality and belief in the team to survive this season in the league (something that didn't look possible 2 months ago). John Coleman has done an amazing job this season on a minimal budget and in the face of a million obstacles. I for one applaud him and wonder what else he can achive at Accrington. __________________ T.M.