Southend Blue

I read the post and thought 'putting up a stature of the man' was slightly bizarre. Didn't set off alarm bells or nothing but first reaction was one of being incredulous when reading that exact bit. I won't berate one of our own and given the benefit of any doubt I put it down to the time of season and tangible exuberance we're experiencing what with being hours away from a promotion back to second league level. Thought he gave Mr Ashton a few too many plaudits though. In bed with a wife and cheese and all that. I know he's something of a rodent but all those acknowledgements and fanfare, seemed a bit unsavoury or unwarranted. I read nothing but bad reviews from mostly OTIB when he came on board with us but like it or not, he has been part of a standout success with us. It's not just down to one individual though. If Ashton can have cheese in bed with a wife or whatever, then McKenna and Game Changer Group can have the best accommodation money can buy with a clone of Pamela Anderson's in a platinum Hollywood hotel suite. Caviar and World's most exclusive Champagne. Talk another time.

Ashton's been part of a new set-up that at pitch level at least, has met with near total success. I was wary at first when he came on board, read a number of things that made you question the appointment but seriously he's been part of a difference that you can't quite allow enough superlatives. Not just him but McKenna, the influx of the new players, getting rid of the poisonous Marcus Evans and the Yank takeover ownership - it's all come to eventual fruition. We're having the best season since I'd estimate 2004 - 05, and back then Joe Royle was manager. In the time in between it's been so uneventful and disappointing you'd have to be a true Town fan to comprehend the full measure of it. Whatever you think of us, think of Mark Ashton, take a moment to understand it's been near 20 years of epic failure. We're on the verge of a first league promotion since 2000. It's been a long hard hike and wait to finally celebrate something. I think most fans of wherever you find them or allegiance would allow us this one time to enjoy something. Norwich City reprobates will have their mandatory sneer but that's to be expected. We Look forward to seeing Bristol City at Portman Road next season. It's not 100 per cent a promotion with two games remaining but it's so close it's as good as accomplished.

I had to root for them tonight. Bristol Rovers might be a poor team, they may be largely ineffective or not up to much, but I had to hope they win this evening given the circumstances. All right they let me down so to speak and, as much as Plymouth are a nuisance and we try to get past them and have that first finishing position, you have to allow a certain admiration in the way they get results and keep at it. It's very likely now we'll be back in the Championship next season. All we need is at least one win against Exeter and Fleetwood and we've done it. Even drawing both games should be enough. Sheffield Wednesday have a huge load of pressure on themselves to get second place now.

Say it quietly but tonight I was really hoping for a Bristol Rovers win. Sorry. ? Sheffield Wednesday are proving erratic in the league and we at ITFC have to take advantage of any slip ups from them and Plymouth. Unfortunately both teams won, I was not pleased to learn the Devonians scored in added time as it cost us a place at the top of the League. League One is horrible, it's really tough to get out from. You can only be in this league and fighting for a promotion place to understand what a hike it is to make it out and back to Championship level. We ourselves laboured to a home win over Port Vale. Scored late from a penalty to win it. Didn't see Ashton making a song and dance or anything. No Histrionics. In fact it was lacklustre for a time and the Staffs team could just have easily taken a point from it. Wasn't as effective as past games and we seemed tired and devoid of ideas at times. Suppose excuses can be made after winning the last one 6 - 0 at the weekend. Don't know why but look out for Derby County's result every round of games we play. They're unlikely to be promoted but remind me of a comedy act that has had it's day and running on it's last legs but just continue to the end and can't seem to allow themselves that's it's over. Kind of like Laurel and Hardy in Atoll K or something. ?

Wasn't even aware of the fan forum held this evening. Support the club name by all means, but life doesn't revolve around it 24 hours a day. Ashton, McKenna (manager) and Mick O'Leary (Chairperson) were in attendance and took questions over and beyond 90 minutes, longer than a standard football match. Takes on greater relevance this time around due to the amount of changes made in the last year or two i.e. removal of ex-owner Marcus Evans and two or three managers dismissed before McKenna came on board. Not to mention the upturn in fortunes and being on the verge of a promotion, seven game winning streak, best season since Joe Royle was in position with us, that's something like 15 years and beyond. It's really been that long in the wilderness. We're raising season ticket sales so says Ashton, the price and cost of purchase will rise (although not entirely sure to what exact extent) if the team gets a promotion from League One in a few weeks from now. The $64,000 question being will the club be Championship level in August or not. Right now, despite the progress made, I really don't know or could (not) answer truthfully. The club name has made a financial loss since Game Changer Yanks took over ownership from Marcus Evans in the last year actually. It's too much to put into context but take a view of one of our leading message boards / fan sites and all relevant information can be found and elaborated upon (so I don't need to) Think it's fair to say I and so many others (fans) have been so embroiled in what happens on the pitch it's easy to overlook what goes on at the same time at board level and within the hierarchies of the club name itself. I'll provide a link to one of our leading fan pages for Robins fans to view over including Ashton speaking out and the availability of today's fans forum held with the the CEO, McKenna and O'Leary present. I understand it's something like 2 hours in duration so suppose many won't stay with it or allow it limited time, but since Mark Ashton was a pivotal figure involvement at the event, it's there nonetheless. I apologise for the many adverts and non-essential shit that TWTD sees fit to add to their website. https://www.twtd.co.uk/ipswich-town-news/44719/ashton-season-tickets-to-be-capped-at-21000-and-well-hit-that-mark-quickly

Used to have panini sticker albums at school when Gascoigne was with Newcastle. A great player no doubt or maybe could have been, but isn't that the case with so many other names you could reel off. I think being left out of the France 1998 squad by Hoddle was the real killer. The real beginning of the end. Trashed a hotel room like Begbie in Trainspotting when Paul received the news, it still reverberates to some extent even today. Italia 90 will be his signature recognition . Those of a certain age can only recall the true exploits of Gascoigne during that summer. Would have lit up Sweden two years later if not for injury but even that was really self-inflicted. Maybe it's a bit too late in the day to say it, but even so, I wish him well.

I was surprised they let in 4 in their last game at Barnsley. Strange as it seems I and some other Town fans actually wanted a Sheffield Wednesday win as I don't believe they're going to be displaced from the automatic promotion places in League One and Barnsley are right behind us with game/s in hand, it kind of made sense to wish for an Owls win. I believe Plymouth are the weak link of the top two, (and) if we're going to be promoted they're the ones to displace and grab the other automatic slot. Derby play Peterborough tomorrow, obviously hoping for a Posh victory. Rams are erratic and far from the best in the league but they're a promotion rival all the same. I do hope results go for us this weekend.

It were a good win, we went out with desire and intent and Accrington tried at times but there can be no real complaint from their fans about being beaten. We're on a good run right now, scoring goals almost at will and top scorers in the league. Average two goals every fixture and if the defence were as reliable as the forward line we'd be probably home and dry regards any promotion issue. Bolton up next, another promotion rival but do feel we'll score at least one up there. Our attacking potential and rate are formidable as the league demonstrates but we do make things hard for ourselves sometimes by way of missed chances and not finishing teams off when the opportunity is there. With a bit more ruthlessness and the manager needs to show a similar characteristic, I'd feel much more assured of getting a promotion. This league is tough, I don't think any Championship team realises just how hard it is to make it back unless you've actually experienced it but for all the miseries and eternal hope of escaping back to Championship level there are one or two corners of light relief that come along. Take for instance a view of Derby County's main fan forum last night. Thought I'd take a look-in seeing as they've just endured a significant setback and a promotion rival but caught sight of a post that claimed along the lines of "We shouldn't be here, every game we play is every others teams Cup Final and same goes for referees" You know, We're better than you, every other team in League One should bow to our superiority, look out you feeble subordinates, Derby County coming through. We are absolute rulers of this division, Kneel before Zod, that kind of bollocks. Thought at first it were some Forest fan on a wind-up but seems they were actually serious with their take on things. Put it down to they had a bad night at Plymouth, someone didn't get the result they were hoping for and weren't thinking quite rationally. ?

I watched the game tonight. Thought you did well, a 0 - 3 loss wasn't really a fair reflection of play. All right they deserved the win but thought have to be a bit flattered by winning by such a margin. The second goal was unlucky and could have been avoided. At 1 - 0 then you were still very much in it and on another night and different circumstances it would or could have been a more closer game. All said, Robins did well. You'll be disappointed naturally, an F.A. Cup exit is always sore but you did yourselves proud and reached a stage of competition many others were unable. We lost to these same opponents at the semi-final stage back in 1981 but too young to really recall it. Go for promotion now. Top six is doable for you, take the positives from tonight and transfer them to future league games. Haven't watched BCFC on BBC / ITV for must be 30 years or something, you know, the F.A. Cup games with Liverpool most likely back then. Play like you did tonight, or at least show the same fight and determination, can see no reason why you can't or won't be featured more often.

No you want to win believe me. If you get through City are in the 6th Round of the F.A. Cup for heavens sake - the last eight of competition. For clubs like us, that doesn't happen all too often. Can understand wanting to beat Cardiff, it's a West Country thing, a rivalry with Wales. But ask yourself when's the next time BCFC could be on the verge of a quarter final place in the F.A. Cup. Embrace the opportunity, go for it, many are right behind you. It's being shown live on ITV tomorrow, just may give this a view although Roy Keane and Ian Wright will be doing analysis which is going to spoil things for some. The former was one of our worst managers. Whether you're asleep right now or wide awake I see little to worry about here. Many neutrals won't give you a chance but you can work that to your advantage. I think it's doable for you, Nigel Pearson has done a very good job in recent weeks, it hasn't gone unnoticed by other fans, and Manchester City have got so much involvement in other objectives this season they could easily lose focus and blow up tomorrow night. I'll try and catch some of the action from AG for this, check out a few of your players, but will have to frantically search for the channel switch button whenever Keane and Wright show themselves. ?

Missed the game. Spent most of the evening in bed with a cold / virus, (and) getting well again is paramount over a game of football, but taking reaction from our own fanbase on the game just passed, it makes for some grim reading. By all accounts we were shit, I mean, drastically awful and totally ineffective, although the BBC website would beg to differ by implying that (we played well at times and created chances etc). Not saying they're wrong but I'm prepared to side with my our fans version of events, and the general consensus being it was absolutely dire from us - and them, actually - and any chance of promotion from League One, is in reality, getting shorter by the week. It was rubbish essentially, both Town and Rovers. Both as bad as each other. Maybe I'm not 100 per cent on the accuracy of it all but it was basically the very definition of a contest where gate-paying attendees should be entitled to a refund, no questions asked. If you look on our Tractor Boys website, there's a 6 page thread indulging tonight's contest and the comments - while some seem exaggerated even from a Town fan's perspective - are heartfelt and the issue of growing animosity / confusion (towards McKenna) as manager are clear. Personally I think he's done wonders for us, but you'd have to see the games and follow week in week out like myself to properly understand it's not as clear cut as that. It's a shame, thought we'd win tonight. Got up for some water / aspirin and (had to) see what imagined to be a victory and get reading some reaction that I've seen all too many times before. We dropped two points tonight that's the way I see it. All right, even Bristol Rovers are there to be beaten but it's like we didn't really try to take a victory from it. Hate to say it, but I think McKenna would view a 0 - 0 draw over there against that lot as a very good result and 'at least we didn't lose', you know, that level of philosophy. We've had managers like that before, and right now, in a promotion chasing venture, it's not really the ideology you need to progress. (If you look on the aforementioned TB. forum), Some fans are asking for his resignation or someone else to take over at Town. That would have been insane or utterly ludicrous only a few weeks ago, maybe months back, but after tonight, got round to thinking they just may be on to something. Tried posting this a moment ago, got logged-out for some reason, so hopefully, this time it goes through.

wanted to pass mention on yesterday's game. First and foremost congratulations on your Robins victory, I always enjoy seeing them lose and get beat (norwich, not yourselves) and what's more that's going to hurt further their promotion objective. I read on the BBC sports page that it's your first victory over them since 2009 or something. You have to go back to that time for Town's last victory over them, at least you've beaten them (at last), for us it's still 12 + years and still waiting. I don't want them promoted, we can't really allow the that opportunity, not if we're to play them again next season IF we can get promoted from this miserable League One division. you had 24,000 at Ashton Gate yesterday ? Not being patronising in the slightest but thought that was a very good attendance and something to take pride in. In fairness that's a venue on the other side of the country i don't get to see regular attendances all too often, so if you bring in that amount quite often then i take the time to apologise. Just struck me as a fine crowd for a good game and encouraging result that's all. i say count your blessings maybe. All right BCFC won't necessarily be promoted, but think you're really safe from any relegation threat even at this stage of a season and got a plum F.A. Cup tie coming up where the chance is there to pull off another big score and exciting result. Don't doubt yourselves, just believe in your abilities and take each game at a time, that's all anyone would expect. All right ? Got to leave it at that.

just stopping by. Take the opportunity to wish Robins every success in this upcoming contest. Seriously, no impartiality, I really hope you can do it. Remember, all things are possible in this industry. Few neutrals won't allow you a sniff but now's your chance to stuff words down their throats and really make an impact on this years competition. We have a tough game ourselves against Burnley, leading team in your league but we held them at home and in truth, don't fear a replay at Turf Moor. Maybe in a minority but old enough to recall Manchester City being a totally unsuccessful team playing in front of few crowds at Maine Road with the ZDS / Simod Cup being a viable trophy route. Not really jealous of their new-found wealth and investment, just don't always like it when some rich foreign owners turn up and take a once completely ordinary club name winning next to nothing, into near overnight celebrities. Club names like that need to be taken down a peg or too, I look to Chelsea as another prime example, so, once again, best of luck if your Cup meeting at Ashton Gate when the day comes. Do many 'neutrals' a favour, and put those chumps out.

Were at school for every year of the 1980's, seems strange in retrospect although I often give it some thought. Never again will there be such a diverse decade for as long as humanity exists. Music, television, clothing, attitudes and technology for instance between say '81 and '89 were so far apart you can't even put a measure on it. Had a home computer between those years, had to load a cassette where it'd take 30 - 45 minutes to load one single game. Sometimes it would crash (usually towards the end of running time) and you'd have to start again. Frustration wasn't the word, you'd have to have lived through it to understand. It's different generation now, some of us in mid, late 40's may have trouble comprehending the world today, it's just worlds apart from when you were a kid. It's when you realise Father Christmas or the Tooth Fairy doesn't exist or isn't real, only then you accept you've outgrown a certain age. Can still remember half-pennies, one pound notes, that sort of thing too. Remember penny racers or something ? You'd put a coin in the back and watch it run across the carpet ? The Rediffusion dial / switch : Yes we had one of those too.

I'd applaud any fan of any club making a trip west from Bristol to Ipswich, it's no stroll up the road to get a pint of milk. There were some 22,000 tonight in all, couple of years ago we'd we lucky to bring in a third of that for a midweek night match but McKenna has really made people believe and quite simply one of the best managers we've had in a long time. That's not really saying much such were the absolute shit names we've had the last 15 years, Lambert, Hurst, Jewell, Keane, even McCarthy, but credit where it's due he's really made a name for himself so far over here. As for the game tonight, couldn't see it, was working elsewhere but reading reports and replies from our fan pages, the best team won. OK Rovers had their chances but we just about overwhelmed them in terms of possession and goal opportunities over the course of 90 minutes. Two stupid dismissals for them summed their night up. A game where once again we showed certain promotion credentials. Us and Rovers, possibly two teams going at the same speed but in opposite directions. The big test will be Sheffield Wednesday coming up on the rails in a short time but really got to feel, this is a good a chance as any to make it out this miserable league once and for all. If we fail, it won't all be McKenna's fault or undoing, but some of us are going to be very distraught at the missed opportunity. Goodnight.

Saw this piece earlier but could not reply to it. First off Gilbert and Rose operate out of Leigh-On-Sea, a couple of miles out of the Centre of Town. I don't think this is a faux-pas, they most likely intentionally went ahead with it knowing the interest it would generate for the company. Got to admit, right or wrong, it's one way to attract business. A lot of fans of the club aren't really taking offence to it, in fact they find it all rather amusing. It's causing laughter for the most part rather than anything dark or edgy. Go past Roots Hall several times a week, can hear action and goals scored when a (real) game is underway simply by standing in the yard. They were in the Second League (now Championship) not so long ago and saw a famous occasion when beating Manchester United on a League Cup night. So they've had their time in the sun, just a shame for the community they're now non-league and looking a long way off from scaling the heights mentioned. I think you'd have to be of a certain age to understand the West's diabolical actions, some kids today just wouldn't see the furore this thing could cause but guess many would just overlook it, particularly those not native to this area of Essex or that they don't have to play a game against the Shrimpers at all. We play Forest Green this weekend, : that's over in Gloucestershire where those evil things went on. I think the point being if Forest Green had named one of their stands with the title discussed here, it really would have caused a scene. Think it's a bit more benign this side of the country although has caused something of a stir if so inclined.

The season has been a failure for me. It's bizarre I have to make the admission on a neutral fans forum rather than my own as reason being I'd run the risk of being shouted down by the majority of my own teams fan base and accused of being an improper fan / pessimistic / expecting too much (delete as appropriate) Ashton has to take a share of responsibility for this. After all the hype and expectation of last summer, bringing in 20 new players and big things expected - new owners and everything - I look at it now and we haven't even finished in the Top Ten of the Third Division. Maybe I speak in the minority of our support base but really, I find that somewhat unacceptable if not slight embarrassment. Top Six would have been something but we finished not even close to the final promotion places. This weeks news at Portman Road in terms of encouragement : One of our players gets an international call-up and we've brought in some goalkeeper from Manchester United that don't believe even recognise to add another coaching capacity to our club that isn't in all necessary. It's hard sometimes to see where the positives come from. Derby in League One next August will be two tough games and there's already enough teams remaining where I can see us struggling against or be hard to get three points from if we're not 100 per cent committed. I never really took to Ashton from the moment he arrived but his continued involvement may reap dividends at some time in the future. We're not a one-man club, it'll take a collective effort from the players, manager and owners themselves to make it work. Ashton is just one piece of a jigsaw that as of yet, remains uncompleted.

I know Ashton isn't to everyone's taste around here but he must be doing something right at ITFC as the turnaround in team fortunes since he came on board has been like night and day. Actually keeps a low profile with us, that leaping around at Lincoln and high-fiving fans like some WWE wrestler making their way to the ring now seems a one-off. Just for the record, feel now the majority of the fanbase at Portman Road are now squarely behind him. Came with a certain baggage or reputation but after initial scepticism with many Town fans has now fitted in almost like a piece of the furniture. Would have played a pivotal part in bringing in an influx of new players last summer and taking McKenna to the club as new manager. I don't get to see all the in's and out's and hour to hour business of what goes on behind the scenes, Ashton included, but from our own fans perspective bringing him on board now seems a good bit of business. We're like 12 league games unbeaten and are now easily one of the very best sides in League One. If we make the play-offs there's every chance we'll win it but pity is McKenna, Ashton and the new Game Changer Group owners came in too late to address the slide left before them by Marcus Evans, Hurst and Lambert. Good night. ?

Last time a club other than Rangers or Celtic won the league I were in Primary School, and that were a long time ago. Scottish international scene is OK, I think they get unfairly ridiculed despite having never progressed beyond the second round of a major competition, but the domestic league is, and has been, something of a circus for as long as some of us can remember. Didn't Rangers go the whole season unbeaten a year or two ago, considering they would have played Celtic four times during that and avoided defeat, it's something of a standout achievement. For the purpose of the thread playing a one-off (?) 'friendly' on the far side of the world seems a bit ludicrous. What next, Hearts and Hibernian playing each other on the rarefied atmosphere of Venus ? Sorry, but .. ?

Signing a total near 20 players in the close season wasn't necessary for us. Not sure what they were trying to achieve by this, it started out all well and promising at the start but by the end of business even myself and doubtless a few others at Portman Road were left wondering what the hell was going on. One guess being we just needed to clear out a whole load of dead wood and then-surplus requirement names and (then) bring in an influx of no-thrills players that would appease certain members of the fanbase, who in all truth, had endured a certain amount of suffering going back a number of years. Tomorrow sees a trip to Sheffield, a bit too far for some to travel but if we can win again, not only will Kieran McKenna grab a manager of the month award so soon after coming in, any chance of promotion will be very much a reality. Five wins from six league games if we do it tomorrow, I desperately want to get out this bloody league. We have a very good opportunity now, McKenna - people questioned his arrival myself included - but fair play he's procured wins after another, a lot of the time we haven't even played well to get those three points.

Tried to quote Midlands Robin r.e. TWTD is a mess and largely unreadable. I see your point entirely. Ipswich fan or not, it's a bloody nuisance over there often enough for any supporters trying to read as they insist on saturating the pages with needless advertisements and video things playing away, and all this while you're trying to read actual relevant stuff. I'm not sucking up to anyone, that's not what I do, but fair play here at OTIB you've put together a clear comprehensive fan site free of adverts and easy to read and participate in. Way better than TWTD and not afraid to say it. It's not so much about what team you or I follow, the basics are having a simple layout design that's clear and effective. You have it, we don't, While on the subject sorry if anyone from here ventured over there the past few days and got shot down or kicked into touch. There's a few weasels on there or some prone to over-reaction but isn't that the case with most fan forums wherever you find them. It's obvious Mark Ashton has caused a divide or some hostility between both sets of supporters since coming in but after the Lincoln antics some weeks back he's kept something of a low profile. A number of fans at ITFC remain sceptical as to his true intentions although the majority offer support and encouragement. Regards the new manager with us, I try to not to get too involved until an actual appointment has been made. Largely hearsay and conjecture right now and I could reel off about 10 or 15 names seen linked in the last 24 hours but the most important thing they need to do is not make a hasty decision and give what will be a pivotal decision due care, time, and attention.

I think the yanks who took over (or some representation) may have been in attendance today and took time to survey the 6,000 in attendance as hoof balls were played often and we huffed and puffed to a 0 - 0 draw at home to the mighty Barrow FC. At some stage a Eureka moment occurred and they decided Paul Cook was dogshit here and went the way of the fans who decided to stay away and put their own plan into operation. Cook should never have been given the job to begin with. Lambert was a disaster, in fact they've all been failures going back to the mid 2000's apart from one or two seasons with McCarthy and even then that isn't really saying much. This isn't a time for anger, I can see a window of opportunity ahead. OK we didn't win today what should have been a simple victory but are still in the F.A. Cup and think the replay is on BBC terrestrial television which is something. Cook was poor, in fact he was shit, pure and simple if I may add, but as of today he's no longer my or our club name responsibility. Had his personal issues such as family bereavement in recent months and while truly sorry (for that) and extend sympathy then and now, as a managerial figure with us at least, he got out of his depth in a relatively short time.

We were well beaten. Few years ago Ipswich losing at home to Rotherham would have caused a minor sensation but they're actually a very good outfit and deserve to be top of League One. We hardly had a shot on goal and they could have won by more than the two they scored. On the weekend we lost to Sunderland but actually they stole a result in the last five minutes to win it. Tonight was different, we deserved nothing, we got nothing. If Bonne gets recalled to QPR back from loan in the New Year we are going to be in real trouble. Cook (our manager) puts him in loan attack nearly every game - for what reason or end only he knows - and pins a result on 4-2-3-1 line-ups. There was a lot of anger and ruffled feathers on TWTD tonight as you would expect, but also remember a number of these would have been praising the manager during one of our 'better days and performance' not so long ago, whereas right now their only focus is loathing and ridicule. If you can't laugh at certain situations what can you do. We have Barrow in the second round of the F.A. Cup soon after a hard fought two games with Oldham Athletic. If we fail to progress there - the door to the Third Round is clearly ajar - then by all means Cook can go. Won't be just the failure of that, it's tonight's result and performance and a good too many before it that will have swayed many to the opinion that a change of manager once again may just be necessary. Goodnight. ?

Ashton is just trying to endear himself to a new fan base. Kind of like when you go to a job interview or start new employment (which he is), you need to show the right character. I have a feeling this 'reach the fans' or whatever it is, won't have a happy ending but I've got to think for the better and remember the absolute shit that was involved while Marcus Evans and his staff were on board. Don't forget he's relocated from one end of the country to another, pack up your troubles maybe and hope for a fresh start. We did OK yesterday, maybe on another day the goal shouldn't have been given but we've had more than our share of wrongful rulings and decisions not go our way. Nothing fancy out there, just get ahead and keep focus. Lincoln did well in parts but didn't seem fully committed. We could be playing Derby and Nottingham Forest next season it looks like. This league is tough enough already and my concern is, if we don't make it out this season what with new players / manager / owners and expectation, it could be some time before a promotion occurs. Its been a poor start but the win yesterday was crucial. Hope it inspires the players and Cook to do a bit better and believe in themselves in the weeks ahead.

TWTD always goes into meltdown after an adverse result. Think monkeys at banana time then maybe half an hour or so it quietens down. Provides some entertainment for others such a Pink 'Un Norwich messageboard. I think they (our fans) get so caught up in what's going wrong and their spontaneous reaction/s they don't always realise they're (sometimes) providing a stick with which to beat themselves. Last night ? Took off to a Casino in Canvey Island before the game was even underway, piece of shit tournament really, and only got score when it was over. I can't judge Cook on games like that, it were a senseless kickabout, no way were whatever side we put out going to give 100 per cent or really attempt a win. We don't try in cup games, it's simple as that. FA Cup, League Cup, Papa Smurf trophy like last night, it's custard and gravy to us. Which leaves the league and even then we don't really get up to much. We have Lincoln City at the weekend, they embarrassed us in front of a live audience on BBC television a couple of years ago in an FA Cup broadcast although it went to a replay. They were non-league back then ! I think Cook's job is safe at least until the end of the year. Results have been poor but he's only been with us a relatively short time. Add to that he endured a family loss the last week. Somehow don't think the new Yank owners are callous enough to wield the axe so soon after a bereavement. Some insist it's only a matter of time before he and the team get it together and make it work. Am prepared to allow it until December and then provide judgement. If the problems and poor results have continued by then without much change then by all means do the right thing at bring someone else in. I don't always see what Ashton gets up to, he would played a pivotal part in getting the new squad assembled and fans here (ITFC) view him in a favourable light up until now but can see will quickly build up the same level of ridicule and animosity at Ashton Gate when he left there if things do not improve over time. By that i'd expect a play-off shot at least for end of season, but will Paul Cook even be manager by that time ?