Derby defeat raises questions about new manager

When you lose 3-0 to one of only two teams below you in the league, there aren’t many positives to be taken. Ultimately, the only redeeming aspect of Saturday’s shambles is that things can’t get much worse for Martin Allen’s men.

Perhaps the most concerning aspect of the weekend’s events is that six of the starting eleven have been bought in by Allen himself. After the match, he was quick to outline his desire to wield the axe and ensure an improvement for tomorrow’s game at Oldham. But, how much of a change are we likely to see?

Allen is limited to what he can do. The likes of Lewis Montrose and Jonathan Hayes could be given a chance alongside Lee Ridley. But, aside from this Allen would have to turn to those players he has transfer listed in his time at Whaddon Road.

Of course Allen should be given time to estabilish himself and the January transfer window will be a crucial time for the Robins. But, given that, by Cheltenham’s standards, Allen has had alot of money to spend in his short tenure, the results appear to be diminishing.

It would seem that Allen has rather hamstrung himself in his first two months at the club. The majority of the squad he inherited were after all good enough to keep the Robins in League One six months ago. Allen’s actions since starting at Whaddon Road seem to have something of a kneejerk reaction to the abysmal start of this season. The achievements of last year seem to have been dismissed by the former Leicester manager.

Perhaps a more sensible option would have been to stick with the inherited squad and make just a few quality additions here and there. Before more permanent changes could be made in January. Wages have been squandered on the likes of Lathaniel Rowe-Turner when established centre backs like Michael Townsend have barely been given a chance.

For now, Allen has to be backed by both the fans and the board. There have, of course, been positives since he took over. Battling displays against Leeds and Oldham have been followed up by a greater desire to build bridges between the club and it’s supporters. But, come the end of season, Martin Allen may wish he had taken a little longer to take stock of the situation he inherited.