We were told in no uncertain terms the new ground would be a game changer; as far as I can see its just a case of The Emperors New Clothes.
It probably didn't help that it opened during the pandemic. We could hardly hit the ground running at the time, with all the uncertainty over seasons being incomplete and/or ending early.
We stumbled into the play offs in the first full season with fans, losing out in the final. The next season was a horror show for several month, after the shocking recruitment in the summer - when you'd think we were in prime position to move forward, and go one better in the play offs. Weirdly, we only got 1 more point at home in the play off season, that the one where we fought relegation for most of it. The division got harder, too, as Gloucester got into the play offs with 68 points (compared to our 63 the year before).
It was clear last year that Culverhouse was struggling to bring in the players he wanted, and therefore relied on young loan players (who would be taught how to play football by their parent clubs) to plug the gaps in quality. We seemed to the change formations, too - using 3/4/5 at the back.
This year it's been a blank canvas and the senior players brought in are better than last season's players. Unfortunately, we lack depth at both ends of the pitch which means we either have a different back 4 each week or struggle with a plan B (wingers) when things aren't quite working out - this has affected away games more than home. The football is 100% better than 12 months ago, and IC takes the credit for this. However, we can't just go into every game with the same plan, especially away, expecting to win. The Alfreton game was a perfect example of this.
We're now using (cheap?) U23s to plug the gaps where we used U23s from EFL clubs before. They are our players so it allows more flexibility, more coaching and more familiarity within the squad. This should see long term benefits, it may even see us have a really strong 2nd half of the season. Dylan Hill is the 1 U23 that has already forced himself into the team (and Tyler Knowles), albeit out of position due to injuries. The other U23s might be disappointed not to get many minutes, espically Wilson (he's injured too now).
If anyone was expecting the new hybrid model to translate into immediate results, then they've been disappointed - especially away from the JCS. We have the solid base of 4 wins out of 5 at home. The season is nowhere near a disaster, though. The minimum we could ask for this season is comfort away from the bottom and we're getting that. We need to cement a top half place and then kick on towards the play offs. 3 homes games in a week coming up should help...
