Welcome to Flying High

Reality Check	Posted by David Snowball at Monday, January 21, 2008
WITH only 11 points gained from a possible 30 over the last 10 games, and playing at home not the advantage most teams would expect, the outcome of Albion's next six games will make or break their play-off aspirations. Four of the six are at Withdean (Crewe, Tranmere, Oldham and Cheltenham the visitors) with away fixtures at Northampton and Cheltenham. On the face of it, all of these are winnable, and a decent points tally is vital, particularly if one looks further ahead to the eight March games which, right now, look unlikely to yield many points at all. Unless there is a marked improvement in performances over the next month, can anyone realistically see wins being notched on journeys to Carlisle, Walsall, Forest and Leeds? Or, come to think of it, at home to Orient and Doncaster. Of course all Seagulls followers hope the present omens don't come true but perhaps the picture painted here is a reality check for those who believe the play-offs are a genuine possibility. Much has been said and written about Dick Knight's activity, or, perhaps more accurately, slowness off the mark around the transfer window. Whatever the protestations, the Board has clearly let down the manager in failing to secure in time the services of three players who were key to a successful autumn spell. Seriously weakening the team so that vital points were dropped over the crucial Christmas/New Year period has dented what was a fledgling promotion push, and the blows received will surely mean we'll be on the ropes rather than celebrating a points victory in the final round. Dean Wilkins has mainly been diplomatic in public but his frustration with the situation has boiled over a couple of times when asked to comment on the chairman's transfer promises: it doesn't take a rocket scientist to detect an underlying friction. It has been good to see the signing of Steve Thomson and the return on loan of Matt Richards. But is there really a need to take a look at yet another young midfielder, in Shane McFaul, who didn't even make it to the bench on Saturday? Everyone knows it is experience and competition in key positions that is needed. And although a forward and a couple of quality wide players are a greater priority, I am in the camp which agrees a new goalkeeper might also improve the side's chances of success. Scott Flinders would do a good job. While we're about it, though, might the defence not be improved by the short-term acquisition of Zesh Rehman? Along with plenty of others, I think the side could also be improved by the addition of Darren Currie, whose accurate crossing ability could provide the perfect service for the all-too-often isolated Nicky Forster. Let's hope he can be persuaded to come South otherwise I fear I will not be alone in being disillusioned long before the season's end. By Nick Turrell Labels: News 08-09, Nick Turrell