Firstly, disappointed that almost three weeks into the transfer window and we’ve only managed the two signings. Joe Comper mentioned when Coleman signed that we had a number of potential signings lined up and they were just waiting for Coleman to run his eye over the squad and to give the final say on the signings. Two weeks later, I wonder how many of those are still available.
As for the two signings, I have nothing to go on on Agbinone, but loan signings from Premiership academies more often than not turn out to be duds. Fingers crossed he’ll turn out to be Palace’s next Rak-Sakyi, who turned League One defences inside-out when he was on loan at Charlton. Agbinone looked decent on the ball in the first half today, but shots were way off target. Nelson Khumbeni looks like an interesting signing. On loan at Morecambe for the second half of last season and at Accrington the first half of this season, he established himself in both teams from day one. It may not be Morecambe and Stanley we’re trying to emulate, but the fact he walked straight into the starting line ups of both these squads and stayed there is surely impressive. But again, both of these players are “prospects” rather than proven at this level. Maybe we’re just looking to offload one or two players before signing the next Charlie May, otherwise if this is it, chances are we’ve got another disappointing second half of the season on the cards.
On to today’s game. First half was promising, quite attack-minded, but without creating any golden opportunities. Doncaster were gifted their goal, but then missed a great chance to make it two. Second half was absolute dire. If Bonner was watching he must have been laughing at seeing the same old complete lack of effort from the players. I’m not going to even pretend to have a clue how to fix this, but can’t believe so many players don’t give a shit. Many of them are out of contract at the end of the season and will be relying on past successes to pick up a contract somewhere. Which of course leaves us with a huge rebuilding task on our hands and a spanking excuse for next season’s starting manager when we’re mid-table in League Two this time next year. And that’s assuming we’re still in League Two next season – the bottom two are getting closer and closer.
Oh well, next week is Tranmere away and my first Gills away day in a very long time. Thankfully the family have other reasons to be in that part of the country, so not a wasted trip if we’re treated to a typical Gills performance.