Robert ONeill, NCISA At the time of writing, we are a third of the way through the season and I feel it is a good time for an assessment of the season so far.

Robert ONeill, NCISA

By Robert O'Neill

At the time of writing, we are a third of the way through the season and I feel it is a good time for an assessment of the season so far.

I believe we can all agree that the season commenced in disastrous and unprecedented fashion. Bryan Gunn picked up where he left off leading us to a capitulation of historic proportions. This turned out to be the coup de grace as, throwing nostalgia to the wind, our current board took the decision (or were subtly guided?) to remove Gunn from his post and, in my opinion, prevented an inevitable relegation battle.

From this point, City, equipped with direction and purpose have not looked back.

There are two key appointments responsible for this turn around, messrs McNally and Lambert.

Off the pitch, McNally is providing a sense of corporate direction commencing with the appointment of Lambert in an uncharacteristically (for NCFC) ruthless manner ruffling a few feathers with our friends from Essex. I feel that we are at the tip of the iceberg in terms of his contribution to Citys cause and the best is yet to come.

On the pitch, Lambert has instilled a confidence and work ethic off the ball sorely missed over the last number of years. Lamberts no nonsense approach accompanied with a refreshing tactical awareness has provided direction and success on the field of play. I am encouraged by the current regimes attitude towards youth as, would you believe it. there exists some ability within the youth set up which might have been overlooked on occasion. I am further heartened by the retention of one Wes Hoolahan without whom I fear we may have been left creatively inept.

These two, even in such a short space of time, are collaborating to transform City into a credible proposition once more.

I also want to issue a quick endorsement to the City supporters who have been unwavering in recent times. I feel that they should receive a large amount of credit for their positive contribution.

I appreciate that City are far from accomplished at this stage, however, there are great number of encouraging signs that good times lie ahead. My only fear is that to sustain this progression and compete over the season with the likes of Leeds and Charlton, funds will be required, so I will finish with a plea to the board to find some liquid capital, (either from their own war chest or external capital), and, reminiscent of 2004/5, give us a Christmas to remember!