13 goals conceded since 6th Sept

League goals that is, or put it another way 13 in 19 games - pretty impressive and 3 of those came in one match v Gosport.

Joint second best defensive record in the league now.

Only 12 in all competitions since the East Thurrock debacle and we haven't conceded more than one in a game since Chelmsford away on 22nd November...

Top of the form table as well, what can possibly go wrong from here??

Lee Howells got to be a shoe in for South January manager of the month.

You mean Britton - he seems to be the organ grinder!

and howells is only head coach so presumably would not be considered

Two hooked in with my post

(though I do think he will win it)

It does speak volumes that a great run of form resulting in a bit of praise for the management team results in just two posts, neither exactly dishing out compliments, whilst everyone else stays quiet.

God forbid we go on and win the FA Trophy. Someone might chip in with a "well done".

Well I say well done to everyone connected with the team, players and management. Like many, I assumed changes would be made after that day in October but the board decided to stick with the set up they had entrusted to start the season, a decision which has been vindicated. Concentrate on the results - they've been good!

yuffie wrote:Two hooked in with my post

(though I do think he will win it)

Do they still do it? Not exactly a hook. Could Archie be given the award? I suppose it might be offered to Adie and he nominated Archie to receive it.

I praised the duo after the Altringham win.

I think the main difference in our fortunes has been that key players have got fit especially in the defence. Gallinagh is half a yard quicker and Walshy gets fitter with every game. Also Dan Ball has changed the way he plays being quite happy to just clear he ball out of play rather than take any risks giving the defence chance to regroup. (This latter might be instructed).

When Coventry won the FA cup they had two managers George Curtis and John Sillett. Maybe we ought to regard Adie and Archie as equals.

And many great managers were nowt without their 'assistants' eg, Clough and Taylor.
Clough never the same once he and Taylor parted.
Arch and Adie are a good team. This is a proven fact over the years and supporters should be content with that, unless of course we tumble down the divisions.

That stat does prove how much a couple of heavy losses and one proper thumping really influences the way you think about the team. Without seeing that, I assumed we were still a bit weak defencively but clearly the defence has sorted itself out from it's early season wobbles.

That said, knowing City's propensity to mess up royally at the back, I still panic when any late corners/freekicks arise.

But well done all, lets keep it going till the end of the season.

Panic is a natural state of affairs when you score so few. I dream of a comfortable 4 goal lead, but when it's over the battling 1-0 win is just as satisfying.

Having let 2 in last night I see the Chronic is mentioning we are about to sign a defender.

Rumoured to be Steve Elliott from Cheltenham. Mr Buckle does not seem to be making many friends at Cheltenham, their fans see him in the same sort of mode as most of us see Matt Coupe.
A leader.

I saw him play a few times for Rovers when they were promoted from League Two in 2006/07.

Like Steve says, he appeared to be a leader and very popular with the fans. I know some aren't keen on these 35+ aged players dropping out of the league but with a lot of games coming up some experience could be vital.

Yes, they're certainly up in arms about his departure.

http://www.robinsnestforum.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=18371

Interesting point made by one poster...

Just to point out, if his contract was terminated today then he can only play for a Conference North/South team or lower until the transfer window re-opens.

I expect Keary will be a bit miffed.

Elliot played against us in the summer and was very much a take no prisoners Coupe type player.

If anything a signing like this should be of great benefit to Keary & Ball, it's not often they'll get to train/play with and learn from someone with Elliott's experience

Palms wrote:If anything a signing like this should be of great benefit to Keary & Ball, it's not often they'll get to train/play with and learn from someone with Elliott's experience

especially not at Bristol City and Rovers