Mike Margetts wonders whether relegation would be such a bad thing for Hereford United.
A month ago after heartening wins in difficult circumstances against Cheltenham and Leeds, Bulls supporters were certainly hoping – even if not fully convinced – that there could be a happy ending to what was becoming an increasingly disappointing season.
Alas, four defeats in 11 days, a solitary scrambled goal in five games and other relegation-threatened teams picking up vital points now means that the prospect of there being League One football at Edgar Street next season has become more and more improbable.
Among the fans there will, of course be the inevitable wringing of hands and the usual recriminations but – and the question has to be asked – is relegation back to League Two such a bad thing?
Many shrewd judges were taken unaware last season when the club sailed breezily into the third automatic promotion spot and Graham Turner and his team were lauded for their inspirational use of the loan system which made it all possible.
What this really meant was that the club was able to punch above its weight. But inevitably the demands of the higher league have, over the months, taken their toll and it can be no real surprise that the going this season has been so tough.
Professional football these days is not played on a level playing field; it’s all about financial resources and although we can dream of competing with the likes of Leeds and Leicester, unless some rich benefactor suddenly appears to champion our cause, we know the odds are stacked against us.
My view is that while this season has been an interesting experience, it’s not one that the club was ever going to be truly comfortable with. I believe that most fans would prefer to see a winning side playing entertaining football in League Two rather than witness the largely depressing events of these past few months battling against often overwhelming odds.
It was right to cherish the events of last season and in particular that balmy afternoon at Griffin Park last April, but perhaps it was always going to be a false dawn.
I wonder if any other supporters feel the same…
Text at top (next game etc)
Next Game: Darlington Away In The League On Saturday 23rd November At 3.00pm