There's still enough games to be played to ensure that the Fat Lady has barely started limbering up, but it is a new, and none-too-pleasant, feeling.

For my money, this season has been incredibly frustrating. The squad has been consistently inconsistent, certainly by the levels it set itself last season.

The pre-season optimism surrounding the takeover of the club has been replaced by anxiety and back biting, on both sides of the club. Players and fans alike are all too ready to lay the blame for perceived woes at the feet of someone else.

If a pass goes awry, it's because someone didn't make the right moves. If a particular player isn't picked, it's beauce the manager is playing favourites.

The harmony and unity of last year, when we all pulled together, and the whole club benefited, seems a distant memory.

Why is there is so much apathy in the town? With the arrival of Mr Dixon, the potential of the club really is unlimited. But he doesn't seem too eager to gamble his money, or the club, without first knowing the public will is there.

A conservative estimate says there were at least 300 Retford fans in attendance on Saturday. So where are you the rest of the season? If people were prepared to stand up alongside the chairman, in terms of sponsorship, attendance, or simply advertising, things really could move forward.

Retford needs to look at itself, the people of the town need to recognise what they have on their doorstep. And the playing staff need to stand up and be counted.