Outlook Bleak

I don't want to dwell too much on the game, we were not good enough to win and the more deserving team has been promoted on the balance of play today. Quinn, Doyle, Collins and Simmo had good games and don't deserve to be digesting from the bitter taste of defeat right now.

What worries me now is the future of the club. Immediately, players will leave on a free (McDonald, Willo, Creswell and Simmo). Others will be sold (Lowton, Maguire and Quinn). The ones that remain will suffer a hangover from throwing away a precious lead to a city rival & being demoralised today. Pride will be hurt and confidence will be shattered. A new squad will need to be crafted together.

Wilson has a tough job on his hands. He has to get the remaining staff going again on a slashed budget without experienced players he had at his disposal when he took the job on. A big task and one I don't see him fulfilling (painfully similar to how he struggled after his Swindon side lost a PO final a couple of years ago). I cannot see us leaving League One for at least 2/3 seasons. Like Charlton have done, we must develop youth players into the first team, overhaul/freshen the squad and give them time to get an understanding.

What also hurts me today is the realisation that it's our neighbours time to reign as top club in the city. They are well equipped for success now and could consider themselves as Championship promotion candidates next season. I believe in shifts of power, we had ours when they were relegated from the Premiership :(