Its been a while since my last column on here due to bad health so I thought I would just take a look back at the last couple of months and review what is continuing to be a "rollercoaster" of a season as a Tigers supporter.
The end of 2008 could not have been a happy time for any City supporter. Firstly the Tigers form collapses into a downwards spiral yet to be recovered from. Mr Brown throws his teddy in the corner in Manchester, reported player unrest results in the clubs premier forward being sent to Coventry, ok maybe Middlesborough via Wigan and a last minute own goal undoes all the hard work put in against Villa. Unfortunately 2009 continued in the same vein as 2008 ended.
Awful decisions costing potential points at Everton, tired minds making mistakes late on against the Gunners and a complete no show at Upton Park resulted in zero points gained in the 6 matches either side of the New Year, Happy 2009 everyone!
Deano's departure to Oldham and Cousins injury had their blows softened by the arrival of club record and current England International star Jimmy Bullard - err, enough said. I must say though that the quality of this signing will be a massive acquisition given time. Questions must be asked though, no, not over Bullard, but why were City left with the attacking options of Cousin, Folan and on loan Manucho? Players were out there who would have helped ensure Premier League status, how valuable has Beattie been for those in the Potteries?
Some consolation of late has been in the unusual form of the FA Cup. A comfortable win against those animals from the New Den (should that not be Zoo)? , draws and subsequent victories over the CarToon army and Blunts has put us through to the quarters for the first time since 71. Even this prospect has been soured though with the potential date of this tie being a midweek night match away in the Capital.
Where do City go from here then? Obviously tomorrows match against those from the dark side of the Pennines is massive. Home victory could catapult us into the safety zone, especially with Newcastle soon to follow to the KC. Defeat would be disastrous and surely put one foot back in the Championship!
On a side issue I was glad to hear the club are going to look after the 61 members of Away Direct since its formation, no-one can have any complaints over this sect of fans being prioritised. Whether or not it has gone far enough to pacify those who have been watching City home and away but not on the scheme remains to be seen.
One thing for sure, with the division as tight as it is, our good start has given us the advantage over those around us in the quest for survival. All we need now is a bit of luck and a return to some sort of form shown early doors.
Come on you Tigers!