Inevitable Dobie departure

By Micky Monsoon
February 25 2005

It's difficult to remain upbeat at the moment, as some people are saying the exodus begin with Dobie joining Nottm Forest. But perhaps, it's time to put this season in perspective. Maybe, the play-off were unreachable. Especially after Hayles' injury plus Dunne and Livermore's suspensions.

Given all those factors, and Dobie's lack of goals (caused possibly, by him being played out of position) perhaps the board are right to recoup the half a million investment while they can.

We may not win many more games this season if we insist on asset-stripping, but the youngsters will benefit from the experience of playing in the first team whether we win or lose.

So from a long-term perspective, selling Dobie to cut costs and blood more youngsters make some sense.

It may be hard to stomach, but the play-off are out of reach when you're already relying on youngsters plugging the gaps caused by suspensions and injuries.

However, we will come out of this a stronger club. I hope!