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DG
Nov 26, 2022 23:58:53 GMT
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Post by thursbyred on Nov 26, 2022 23:58:53 GMT
On paper we are in a similar position to last season, but in reality we are in a totally different place.
Last year was a slow, but steady decline. We lost our identity and by the end of the season it was a shambles. We could have stumbled over the line, but things were only heading in one direction regardless.
This season was a tough watch to start with. We were short of confidence, we had some obvious shortcomings and I was concerned that it could have been a difficult season.
Every week, things have improved. Slowly we have regained our belief and we have started to play. The squad has taken shape and we have embedded some excellent young players, today was the best all round performance I have seen in 2 years.
The difference is obvious as the direction of travel. Covid may have robbed us of 2 promotions and the presence of Macclesfield and the likely lottery of the playoffs, may even deny us this season.
Whatever happens I have no doubt that we are in excellent hands under the management of Danny Grainger. Football forums are full of fans slating managers and questioning tactics. It is refreshing to be able to conclude that we are being led by a quality manager, long may it continue.
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braken
Rank = Ryan McLuskey
Posts: 90
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Post by braken on Nov 27, 2022 15:57:34 GMT
Excellent post absolutely spot on!!
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popside
Rank = Dave Hewson
Posts: 244
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DG
Dec 6, 2022 3:29:46 GMT
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Post by popside on Dec 6, 2022 3:29:46 GMT
Very much agreed. I'd rather be here in this league watching this style of football than a division higher and another year of last seasons football.
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redsale
Rank = Mick Galloway
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DG
Dec 6, 2022 10:51:59 GMT
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Post by redsale on Dec 6, 2022 10:51:59 GMT
Last season we blew it true, we did have the best defensive record in the league though by a country mile. There are other factors to consider….pitches were shocking back end of the season - bobbly and not great for passing. Opposition didn’t exactly go out of their way to produce a slick surface!! Other teams did their homework and we faced plenty of route 1 stuff. We were excellent at Leek and Bootle towards the end of last season which were probably the only true surfaces we got to play on during that period. Too many players looked like they were tired and carrying knocks. I honestly don’t think we played that style through choice….. Trust in Danny hope he has the answers this time round…I think the squad has more depth and are more resilient as a positive…won’t be easy trying to play the right way….
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DG
May 1, 2023 8:31:13 GMT
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Post by thursbyred on May 1, 2023 8:31:13 GMT
It has been brilliant to see everyone celebrating together our well deserved promotion. The playing squad have been fantastic, those working behind the scenes have been a credit to the club and the board deserve huge credit for their work and decision making.
We shouldn’t underestimate though the role of Danny in all of this. His first spell at the club was a delight. We played wonderful football and the only thing that stopped us romping the league was a global pandemic.
I was as disappointed as I have ever been (which says something as a Reds fan) when he left the club. As having him at the helm, gave me the belief that better times were ahead. His return last summer was the best news I could have hoped for.
This season has been fascinating. He inherited a mess. A team shorn of identity and low on confidence. His trusted deputy departed. He could have doubted himself and his methods, but he never did.
The presence of Macclesfield meant that in reality the play offs was always the pinnacle. We know what the play offs can do and you don’t always get what you deserve.
Over 9 months we grew and we started to believe, our footballing principles on show and a smile on our face. Ahead of the big games, a key defender gets injured. We have two tough opponents to overcome. We have excuses if we need them.
The team selection was perfect. Rigg was brought in and he was magnificent. The legs of Carroll and Nugent trusted in the middle of the park and they shone brightly. Ruben and Scotty nursed all season, ready when we needed them.
But there was something even more important, we had belief. For two games we played not crippled by the fear of failure, but trusting the process.
The difference between this season and last was night and day. We had largely the same quality in the squad, we had the same people behind the scenes and the same board of directors. This time though we had a top quality manager.
I have been watching Reds for over 30 years and the 3 seasons that DG has been in charge have produced the best football that I have seen by a mile. His imprint runs all through what we do. He deserves a huge amount of credit.
As much as I wanted promotion, I want this journey to continue. As a footballing team, we don’t need to fear the NPL, we can embrace the challenge. Players may come and players may go. We will win some games and lose others, but the one certainty with Danny in charge is that it will keep improving.
We can ask for no more.
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popside
Rank = Dave Hewson
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DG
May 1, 2023 11:56:32 GMT
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Post by popside on May 1, 2023 11:56:32 GMT
Market Drayton was definitely a blessing in disguise. Huge task ahead now for the club and Danny though. Can we keep the interest the last 2 seasons has generated if we aren't a top 6 side? Looking at attendances for NPL we should have a budget to compete in the top half, but finding good players who are willing to travel will be tough. That said I think the full squad deserve a chance to prove themselves at the higher level and if the South Shields game is anything to go by I think most will do fine. We will obviously need to replace anyone who doesn't wish to re-sign with us. Well done to everyone involved with the reds this season, the club seems to be ran so much better nowadays. Now let's go and get the cherry on top of the cake tomorrow night.
Don't you know pump it up, the reds are going up 🔴🍻
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DG
May 1, 2023 14:07:58 GMT
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Post by westworld on May 1, 2023 14:07:58 GMT
Remember listening to Danny on radio Cumbria last summer with his long term plans for the strength of cumbrian football, at last we have a manager and a board with long term vision, the reds development sides and Danny's academy are a great asset and the ties with Carlisle and the likes of Penrith, Cleator moor etc can only strengthen the club in the long term. By working closely together great things can happen. Couple of young lads from Penrith are well worth watching as possible reds players in the next couple of years but I'm sure Danny and Terry Mitchell are well aware of what we need and when
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