Well, here it is - the nine games are up !!!
I know you will all have been waiting for the mush promised Avvenalaf Nine Game Review so sit back, relax and pay attention at the back - I'll be asking questions afterwards.
Firstly, let me say that I am pleasantly surprised at the position we find ourselves in and, more importantly, the type of football we have been trying, and mostly succeeding, to play.
The effort on the pitch has been commendable and I have to retract what I may have implied about Paul Cook's ability to manage this set of players. The performances against Derry and, more so,against Bohs, were top drawer and Pat Fenlon's comments after the latter game were welcome and deserved. All that said, it is difficult to disagree with Inside Man's assertion that this team won't win any trophies but, against that, I am absolutely certain that these lads won't shame the club with any performance here or in Europe and there certainly is no question of any relegation battle.
Obviously, Almera and Butler are massive losses although the back five were excellent against Bohs. There must be something that Danny Ventre brings to the team dynamic - like Steve Birks - as he is definitely a grenade with a loose pin and will, over a season, cost a lot. Other than that I have no comment to make about individuals other that to ask how many more times can Raf be carried out of battle on his shield. He's some man for one man.
So there it is. Well done lads and keep going. Will be tough to get anything out of Cork, who are improving rapidly, but then we have two must win home games against Harps and Youknowwho. Go for it !!
