That opening-day win at Derby brought with it so much promise for Doncaster Rovers but looking back, the alarm bells were already ringing.
They were totally dominant at Pride Park from a possession point of view but they only managed to convert one of about 20 chances. And that's continued to be Doncaster all over.
It was the same in the play-off final against Leeds last season; they could have been home and dry in the first 10 minutes. They're so creative but the bottom line is that they don't have a natural goalscorer.
O'Driscoll: led Rovers to promotion in 2007/8 campaign
Yes, they have the likes of James Hayter and Lewis Guy, who will get you 10 goals a season, but they don't have a 20-a-season man. If they did, with the chances they create, they'd be a real force.
But seven goals in 16 games is relegation material and, sure enough, they're propping up the division.
It's frustrating to see because, in a tough Championship, they've only really been turned over twice: 4-1 defeats at Barnsley and Bristol City.
You can't judge Sean O'Driscoll on £300,000 spent in the Championship on one player. I can't say he's doing a good job because the league doesn't lie but he's working miracles with what he's got.
Peter Beagrie
Quotes of the week
Doncaster Rovers v Ipswich Town
5.15pm, Sat, Sky Sports 1 & HD1
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Those two apart, they've lost by a single goal on six occasions so while they are struggling to score goals, they are holding their own in terms of possession. They absolutely battered Birmingham and outplayed Sheffield Wednesday but ending up losing both games 1-0.
Cutting edge
In two thirds of the pitch, they've played some tremendous stuff but all too often they have hit a brick wall on the edge of the 18-yard box. The trouble is, I just don't know if they have to finances to buy that missing cutting edge.
They spent £300,000 on centre-half Matt Mills in the summer, but it hasn't worked out for their big signing in terms of wages, Darren Byfield; nine starts, no goals and a fall-out with manager Sean O'Driscoll.
Dean Windass has been another target that has so far failed to materialise but in any case, in the 4-5-1 formation they like to play - I think Dean might have been a bit isolated because he needs somebody to play off.
There is no doubt they have some tremendous players in midfield - the likes of Richie Wellens (pictured) and Brian Stock, who were instrumental in achieving promotion - but they have relied on a sole striker too often in recent years for my liking. I'd like to see them play consistently with a two-pronged attack.
If Sean can take a gamble, pull in a few favours, and get somebody in up top, they'd certainly create chances for him. Let's just hope John Ryan, their cosmetic surgery millionaire owner, has kept a few pennies spare so his club doesn't get cast adrift; it would be nice for him to have something to smile about with those lovely white teeth!
On a serious note, it has been good to hear the chairman give Sean the thumbs-up because I know the manager has come in for a bit of stick. We all know fans can be fickle but in this case, the supporters at the Keepmoat really have got to remember how far they've come.
It was only 2002/03 when Dave Penney - who established a great structure at the club - guided Rovers back into the Football League. The statistics back up their meteoric rise; they top football's league of overachievers, so you can't judge Sean O'Driscoll on £300,000 spent in the Championship on one player.
I can't say he's doing a good job because the league doesn't lie - two wins isn't good enough - but he's working miracles with what he's got.
Threat
Last season, Sean might have pointed to a match at home to Ipswich - with their dire away record - and said his side's season can start here.
Unfortunately for Doncaster, the Tractor Boys seem to have cured their travel sickness; they've now got an identical record at home and on the road. They're stronger and more resolute. Jon Stead (pictured) and Jon Walters are sure to pose a big threat and at 6"4, I fancy the physical presence of Gareth McAuley - an inspirational signing from Leicester - to play a pivotal role.
But Jim Magilton has still to decide whether David Norris will feature on Saturday after his controversial goal 'celebration'. It was deeply insensitive, absolutely stupid and I can't condemn it enough.
In an age when footballers are put on a pedestal and seen as role models, he's been rightly vilified. I don't think it would serve any further purpose to ban him though; he's got to live with his actions that upset lots and lots of people.
I don't expect the intense media scrutiny will affect Ipswich's performance, however. It will be a tough game and I fear a difficult month lies ahead for Doncaster because I can't see the personnel changing.
If they don't get three or four wins before Christmas, they really will be in trouble. But it all comes down to a simple rule: when you're dominating a game, you've got to turn your possession into goals - otherwise, it'll come back and bite you on the bum.
Peter answers your questions...
HORROR FOR HUME
Peter, I'd like your opinion on the Ian Hume/Chris Morgan incident that everyone's been talking about. Did you think it was deliberate? Morgan's always been a beast of a player but he often strikes me as clumsy too so even though I'm a Wednesday fan, I think some of the abuse he's received has been little bit harsh! Simon Grant
PETER REPLIES: Only Chris Morgan will know whether he did it on purpose or not, Simon. What I will say is that he's already had a look where Hume is and he hasn't left the ground, so he doesn't need his arms for elevation. That's my professional opinion, without prejudice; I played for Sheffield United and I have played against Morgan. He's a tough, uncompromising defender but I must admit, the video evidence is quite damning. Some people have come out and said Hume has run into his elbow; well, you can't fracture a skull by running into somebody, the elbow's got to be swung with some power. Losing their record signing is a massive blow for Barnsley but more importantly, Hume faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines. The FA might not be taking the matter further but I do think there's a case for a retrospective red card and ban for Morgan. I played in the days of Vinnie Jones and Millwall's Les Briley, who defended like animals; that day and age has, largely, thankfully gone and players are protected to a degree. But in this case, I don't think Andy D'Urso protected Ian Hume.
POSH LINEAGE
Hi Peter, keep up the great work with the column. What chance do you think we've got keeping Darren Ferguson at the Posh? Do you think he's got the potential to be as good as his dad!? All the best, Charlie Porter, Peterborough
PETER REPLIES: Well I wouldn't dare use his name in the same sentence as Sir Alex, Charlie! But the signs are certainly good; he's young and hungry, his work ethic is incredible and his passion for the game is unquestionable. He's just got that drive. And he sets his sights high. He hasn't been happy just plodding along in League One, he wants promotion. He's been able to hold the team together - crucially keeping Aaron McLean and Craig Mackail-Smith - and he seems a good man-manager (speaking to a couple of the Peterborough players they seem very impressed with him). Peterborough would hope he stays if he guides them to promotion and what a fantastic achievement back-to-back promotions would be. Darren's certainly got some players who would flourish in the Championship. So yes, I can see him staying, maybe another season. Darren's still in his formative years as a manager, and where better to learn? As long as Peterborough match his ambitions, the two seem to fit like a glove.
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Comments (9)
Rita Palmer (Huddersfield Town fan) says...
Dear Peter Can you please apply for the hot seat at town.But if you don't get us in the play-offs by xmas you will be sacked.But you can then go back to a pundit .At least you will have made one pensioner and supporter for over 42yrs happy.Thank-you
Posted 14:53 14th November 2008
Jin Khangura (Reading fan) says...
re: Wolfie, can you name me a better pairing at this moment in time? Doyle is on fire, now that he has signed a new contract he will continue in the rich vain of form he is in, and for Noel Hunt at £600k or so, another Coppell bargain that will bang in goals at this level. See you in the premership next season maybe!
Posted 13:04 14th November 2008
Emily Maddock (Doncaster Rovers fan) says...
Doncaster only played 4-5-1 in the last game, their usual formation is 4-3-3 and is a regular source of frustration for fans because even with three strikers we still can't score a goal, and, it seems that O'Driscoll plays a lot of people out of position, e.g. Price up front (he's better on the wing), Coppinger in the middle (he's better on the wing), Lewis Guy up front (he's better left in the changing rooms). Thought your article was great and very, very true.
Posted 11:53 14th November 2008
Mark Dungworth (Sheffield United fan) says...
With regards to Chris Morgan i think you will find that he didnt take a look at Ian Hume. Well not that the camera shows and way. And when you are heading the ball away you require to use your arms for power, regardless of whether you are jumping or not. I agree it was extremely clumsy of him but it was not a malicious attack on a player. I think some of the abuse Chris has coome in for over the last week has been out of order and he has been made out to be a malicious player who goes out to injure players when his only mistake is being a tough but clumsy player.
Posted 10:56 14th November 2008
Andy Huxley (Doncaster Rovers fan) says...
After all the rubbish I have read so far regarding DRFC, these comments give an accurate and very balanced view of my teams fortunes this season.I really hope Mr Ryan gets to see the article and the fans stay loyal as most have done so far, the support at Sheffield was great even after a hard fought loss.
Posted 09:59 14th November 2008
Chris W (Leeds United fan) says...
The display leeds shown on tuesday night was brill very unlucky to lose that game as we totally battered derby. If we play like that every league game i think we will win the league easy!
Posted 23:57 13th November 2008
Nigel Pugh (Wolverhampton Wanderers fan) says...
Jin me old mucka, as a Wolves fan myself and thoroughly delighted with our season so far, I have to agree with you on one point. I do believe Reading will win the Championship and hopefully we will be hot on Reading's heels.............................but the best strikeforce, well lets give it a few more months before and see shall we :) Wolfie
Posted 20:33 13th November 2008
Ross Turgoose (Sheffield Wednesday fan) says...
Hi peter firstly ive always admired you as a player but even more so as a pundit. What are your feelings on Sheffield Wednesday would you say we could push for the playoffs??
Posted 18:57 13th November 2008
Jin Khangura (Reading fan) says...
Wolves & Birmingham had better watch out, the royals are on song at last. Where we may not get to the record points that we acheived in our last promotion, there are more than enough encourging signs of the battle and determination we showed last time round. We have the best strike force outside the premiership, this will gain us promotion. We will be top come the New Year! come on you r'zzzzzzzzzzzzzz!!
Posted 13:16 13th November 2008