I was hopeful that a victory against Burton would give us some momentum and a sniff of a chance at survival. However, after a low quality encounter between two sides who will almost certainly fill 2 of the 3 relegation places, it's time to face the inevitable and move on. Before we look at what has to be done, it would be rude to ignore the contributions of Messrs Stubbs, Jacket and Warnock (post last season) for the dreadful position in which we find ourselves. Thanks guys, and I trust you will get your rewards before too long!

Firstly the manager. Warney has done more than any of the so-called professional managers that we have had this season to get the most out of the crop of players he inherited. However, I suspect he's not in it for the long term and would be much more comfortable in the fitness role. Unless he is certain that he wants the job full time, and that would be a big risk on our part, TS should bring in a new manager ASAP so that the January transfer window can be used productively. The last thing we need is a change of manager at the end of the season and a summer spent procrastinating rather than preparing for the coming Lge 1 season. We have to hit the ground running.

As for the players. As much as I have been a fan of Danny Ward, his commitment in the last two games has been questionable and I suspect his mind is elsewhere. Let him go in January - both Huddersfield and Leeds are apparently interested which should make it possible to achieve a decent fee. Same goes for Camp. When the manager says other teams are interested in him, the writing is on the wall. Again let's see if there's money to be made. Looking at the players that we can definitely use in a competitive Lge 1 side, let's keep Frecks, Newell (who finally had a decent game yesterday), Broadfoot, Belaid, Wood, Adayemi (I'd buy him if possible), Taylor, Forde, Vaulx, JCH, and Yates.  Either offer the rest up for transfer or return to their parent clubs. Let the new manager fill in the gaps during the January transfer window.

As for the Board, it's been a steep, expensive and painful learning curve and without a doubt there is a need for professional footballing input. We can achieve that, along with making use of a 'passion' for the club, by bringing in someone like Ronnie Moore or John Breckin as professional advisers. From the outside, the efforts of the Board, or the Technical Committee, or whatever they're called, over the past couple of years has appeared dismal. A Non-Executive Director who could use his experience and expertise to provide independent advice and objectivity is probably what we need.

The second half of 2016 has been wretched but it's only one chapter in the history of RUFC. This time next year we might be looking at a promotion push over the next few months and this season's tribulations will have been well forgotten. So here's to a new year with a bit of optimism and hope. Happy New Year everyone, keep safe and keep the faith.

Onwards and upwards!!