Football's definitely a funny old game.

Expectations have been higher than ever at the start of this season, but as of yet it hasn't really happened for us on the pitch.

Swansea at home was a great start with Craig Davies showing we made a wise move by paying money for him.  Craig is a great prospect and is someone Shez has been interested in since he took over at the club.

Carlisle and Bristol Rovers were both frustrating affairs and games we could really have won, while the less said about Hartlepool the better.

Fortunes in the cups were more mixed of course, and the win at Accrington in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy last week could prove to be crucial.  I was at the game and it showed just what's weird and wonderful about football.

We looked down and out at half time, but to the credit of Shez and the lads we came out and battled in the second half and I was delighted for Matty Wolfenden, who scored the winner.

That goal gives us a chance to progress in what is a very valuable competition.  Some people moan about it, but no-one is moaning if you're stepping out in the final.

Every club at our level needs the money.  Obviously we run at a loss every season and we need to recoup the money from somewhere. 

We're meeting the holders Doncaster in the next round and that will be a tough test, but we all know we can go anywhere in this division and get a result on our day.

Now hopefully we can take the confidence gained from the win at Accrington into the Southend game, and it's certainly not doom and gloom.  I'm sure the lads will be raring to go after a week off, and it was pleasing to see off the losing run.

John is big on making sure there's the right atmosphere around the club, and I can assure you that the spirit in the camp is excellent. 

Like last year, we may have made a slow start but we can still come on strong and I'm sure sides like Nottingham Forest will be thinking the same way about themselves.

We will also have Lee Hughes back after he stood up well on his debut at Hartlepool.  Lee has looked sharp in training and I'm sure he will only get better and better as he settles in.  Let's just hope we can get some of these injuries back to boost competition in the squad.

We have been unlucky with the amount of injuries so far, and I think we will have to look into installing extra seating outside Lee Nobes' physio room for the lads who are waiting for treatment!

Seriously, though, we can't focus on injuries too much.  The pot for new signings is dry now, so we'll just have to get on as best we can.  Hopefully things will ease in the next couple of weeks.

On a final note, I was really surprised to see so many Latics fans at Accrington for the Johnstone's Paint Trophy game.  Please keep getting behind the lads as they are doing their very best to bring success to Oldham Athletic.

Cheers,

Simon.