Expectation

[TonyM]

Lots has been written both on this forum and elsewhere about the club's current state and where it is heading, much of which I think stems from what might be described as 'unrealistic expectations'

The club reached the NL due to SC's not insubstantial financial doping, IC's good management, a confident squad probably playing above their individual capabilities and a shortened season meaning that other sides in the NLN hadn't really had a chance to 'figure us out'.  Whilst we can disagree about the weighting of the factors I think each one played a part in the 2019/20 promotion.  Unfortunately many thought the success would continue and even though our performances pre-furlough meant we deserved to be relegated last year some were talking about a mid table finish this season rather than a relegation battle

I have never thought relegation would be the end of the world, although I do accept that it would put a major dent in the reputations of both SC and IC and there is no telling what either will do if this season continues to implode.  Mistakes have undoubtably been made by all parties at the club (who hasn't made mistakes at work?) but rather than apportioning blame, hopefully those still at the club can learn from them to help the club going forward, if the last 18 months have shown us anything it is that no area of the club was really ready for was required at NL, I know Rome wasn't build in a day but the club can't continue to be so reactive and has to start putting the building blocks in place to enable it to function firstly at NLN and then maybe at NL level again.

On the pitch, I am happy to stick with IC and his 'footballing principles' because basically with the squad we have assembled I don't think there is a better way for them to play but I do appreciate I am probably in the minority of Walks regulars with that view.  However, I do think we need to find a couple of loanees in attacking areas of the pitch for the remainder of the season for two reasons, one to stop the club going into freefall and secondly to prove to higher league clubs we can be trusted with their players

[Nigel1505]

Agree totally, we need a couple more of Barrett's pedigree up front. These teams like Wrexham, Stockport, Notts C, et al, have been in this dog fight for years and know how to play these games. Little 'ol Kings Lynn are dipping their toes in this league and are finding the water a bit to deep. Slagging  IC/SC off isnt going to help. I have said it numerous times, like Norwich, Lynn is on the road to nowhere. Getting players to come here is a monumental task because of its location. We need to get attract more exleague players who, like Barrett are looking to regain status and are willing to put the effort in, to help us over the next season or two establish us as a NL team. Get rid of IC is not the answer, he is the best adept manager we have ever had and i go back a long time. It would be great if Norwich could loan us a couple who are out to prove themselves to Dean Smith to help us out over this difficult period. I would even entertain Pukki or Cantwell.

[Mallard]

Good post Tony.

I hope there is a plan B in place for IF we do get relegated.  As in building the Club off the pitch to level there gives an even chance of being able to one gain promotion and then to be in a position to hold our own at Step one.

If there is no plan on how the Club is structured then we could fall through the 2nd trap door and find ourselves back at step 3.  Some I know will say that’s probably the true level for us.

We have some interesting times ahead.

[TonyM]

To be fair Mall, there are some things that need to be put in place whether we end up at step 2 or retain our step 1 place for next season but I do appreciate there also needs to be planning for both scenarios, most notably in terms of the recruitment and playing side.  I was pleased to see the latest signing only has a deal until the end of the season with an option for 2022/23 so maybe we are finally learning lessons?

As for our 'true' level, I think we could be sustainable at step 2 but lots of caveats with that statement, maybe when the Crouch report is published this week there will be the fundamental change in football that many have been calling for and we might see an end to the worst aspects of financial doping, just a question as to how far down the pyramid it will extend to.

[Mallard]

I was meaning Tony that it may be an easier process to consolidate at step 2 and even have a couple of seasons at that level rather than cope with the pressure of step 1 while trying to remain competitive.

If we were to find ourselves still at step 1 next season, and presuming the £500k has been  burnt through then will SC still be in a position to finance the thing ?

[wearywillie]

We are repeatedly seeing post's regarding aquiring the services of a proven striker, Yes that is a need but seems the fact that we have yet to keep a clean sheet in any games this season has been totally overlooked.
Yes we can admire IC principals but are those principals losing the team an unacceptable number of points? Take the Wrexham game Pierce Bird received a hefty push in the back prior to his short backpass , I have a feeling had that been a Wrexham player or indeed a player from most other National League sides they would have gone to ground with a  exasperated yell, the same move keeper Jones arrived first at the short back pass instead of a hefty boot behind it to clear , Jones dwelled on the ball looking for a pass only for the ball to get played by the Wrexham player into the middle leading to the goal.
That is just one of many occasions where playing fair or applying pricipals has been the teams downfall this season.
Hindsight a wonderfull thing but full time playing staff has in my opinion backfired badly on Lynn, as a part time outfit in the National League, Lynn and a few other lower teams in the league had the pick of the crop of part time players. Full time only younger players who realistically are not yet wanted by the Ex- league full time outfits in this league.

[Blue_and_Gold]

If we were to find ourselves still at step 1 next season, and presuming the £500k has been  burnt through then will SC still be in a position to finance the thing ?

How things appear to be at the Club, I would guess it would require the Chairman to finance it  at step I, 2, or 3. 

[John H]

Well said Tony. Yes, we have had good fortune to get us to this level and indeed kept us here for a second season.
A few posters on here seem to have a somewhat negative approach with their glass half empty.
Two successive promotions for any team and they will probably find its a bit harder going. IC got us those promotions and he would be the first to admit he is still learning. He is actively looking to solve our lack of scoring and when he does, I think we will see our league position improve. This is a time to show support and faith in IC.

[Mallard]

That’s certainly one way of looking at it John

[Bluboy]

Don’t think COVID can save us now ….
Many of my posts are  positive, but looking into our past seasons I now think
A, yes ppg got us promoted but our form then was dipping would we got 1st ??B last season COVID saved us  and now this year we do look totally out of our depth , also is it
7 wins in 50 matches isn’t great form is it