But, such is football, things change very quickly and we're now in a situation nobody could have foreseen.

Where do I start?

The obvious thing is to mention the club's financial position and, firstly, I have to credit the chairman Neville Beal for publicly coming out and standing up before everyone and telling it as it was.

He could have hid the fact that the club was struggling but he has addressed the problem and made the necessary changes. At the end of the day it is the club that is most important.

Nev could have quite easily hid the facts and we could have slipped into administration leaving the club relegated two leagues... and that would have been disastrous.

It seems that circumstances have meant that we are now not getting the crowds or the backing through sponsorship that we were receiving last year - and in the current climate it is easy to see why.

We are not the only club, and I think we'll see more clubs struggle in the coming months at every level as money becomes less available.

To lose the likes of Sandell, Tubbs, Cook, Turk , Clarke, Feeney and Matthews is a major blow and whether we will see them again remains to be seen Matt Robinson

The knock-on effect was that we have had to lose a number of quality players from the squad and any team would struggle with the changes enforced.

To lose the likes of Sandell, Tubbs, Cook, Turk , Clarke, Feeney and Matthews is a major blow and whether we will see them again remains to be seen.

These were changes that had to happen to cut the wage bill and the players all excepted that a pay cut was necessary.

People will maybe say that some players have jumped ship, but that is not the case. Players have to look out for themselves and their families, and if that means they have to move then nobody can blame them for that. Everyone of those players mentioned has been fantastic servants to the club.

People sometimes forget that this is a person's livelihood. As much as we all enjoy playing, it is a job as well.

If people think it was easy for the likes of Turk, Cook and Tubbs to leave, believe me, I know different. These are players who have seen the club through the most successful period in its history.

I am sure you are hoping these players will return after their loans and that may happen, only time will tell.

We now have a completely new set of young players at the club and I have been impressed with the desire and talent shown by the likes of Luke Ruddick. The gaffer has brought in a couple of good loans as well.

Can I also mention the fantastic way the fans have reacted to the changes and backed the team.

I think you can all appreciate what the players are trying to do on the pitch and that has resulted in a few impressive results against the likes of Woking and Oxford.

We have to be realistic and say that our priority is to stay up this season and I am sure that, if everyone continues to stick together, it will happen.

It has been a bit disappointing to be left out in the last few weeks and I hope I will get a chance again soon. But you won't see me sulking Matt Robinson

I respect the management team at the club and will help out in any way I can, getting fully involved and helping the youngsters in the team.

I can remember what it was like when I was just breaking into a team as a youngster. You really do appreciate the help and encouragement of a senior professional. We are all in it together and now more than ever we need the squad as close as we ever have been.

I just want to mention my fellow golden oldie Bassy (Jon Bass) who has stepped in to the centre of defence and has put in some magnificent displays to roll back the years and his experience and positioning has been vital recently.

So here is to a positive new year and for the club to push onward and upwards and a happy new year to everyone connected with the club from fans through to players. Come on you Whites.

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