Another week has gone by quickly as it’s time for the latest blog by BBC Devon’s Vic Morgan.

Not used to it are we?

It’s been a bit strange this week. Haven’t woken up, looked at Twitter and found more bonkers headlines coming out of the County Ground. After the events of earlier in the season, it feels like the middle of the summer. All quiet on the SN1 front.

Maybe, just maybe, things are settling down. Maybe after three straight defeats, its a case of knuckling down getting on with the job and working towards the next game.

I’m talking about US the supporters in that last statement. I’ve no idea what happens for the squad day to day. I’m sure that is what they focus on all the time. But for us fans it’s slightly different. We crave news and if it’s quiet we get a little unsettled. Actually after the crazy beginning to the campaign, I’ve quite enjoyed a week when the headlines have been about a BRITISH tennis player winning a Grand Slam title for the first time in my 56 years.

So, hopefully then we can look forward to Saturday’s game at Carlisle, with PDC having the week he craved for to work with the players and fully integrate the new boys into the Swindon way. Looking forward to seeing the results at Brunton Park.

As for the events of last Saturday?

Well, it WAS a disappointing home defeat. The problem is we expect Town to win every game at home now. Surely Leyton Orient would just turn up and let us thrash them with our fast flowing attacking football? For those who booed, the game isn’t like that. Orient were well organised, had a game plan, and looked effective on the break.

I know its a shock but there are TWO teams on a pitch during a game. Some you win, some you loose. Yes, the Town looked a little flat and at times uninspired. But remember, there had been a flurry of games, new players to accommodate, AND another team on the pitch.

That’s what makes the crowd reaction a little difficult to understand. The problem with success is, we just expect it to continue. Remember twelve months ago we were awful for a while after the win against Crewe on the opening day, and then look what happened.

My expectation this season is for a top ten finish. After a promotion, I think that would be a reasonable campaign. The club thinks differently, and wants promotion. Well bless ’em for that. If that’s achieved then we’ll all be delighted. Promotions aren’t that easy. How many in our history ? Less than ten in well over a century. I think that proves the point.

The last year at home has been amazing. No defeats at your home ground in twelve months is an incredible achievement and equalled a club record of 28 games set in 1985/86. One to be celebrated. We may not loose at home again this season, who knows. We may loose three or four more. But that’s football. One positive from that defeat by the O’s is that our last home defeat wasn’t now against those from along the A420. So there.

So what do I expect from Carlisle? Well a difficult game that’s what. Its not the easiest fixture to play when you’re in a bit of a slump. On the one hand, the pressures off. Its miles away from home and there’ll be only a few of us crazy enough to make the journey there to moan and groan. What I will say is that those who are there will get behind the team no matter what. I’m not going to spend nearly twenty four hours travelling to and from Devon, just to sit there and be quiet. Although I might have a little nap if the match takes a dip. Hope I don’t get that doze.

My final words go to those who have suffered because of the Hillsborough disaster. I remember that day so well. I was reporting on Swindon against Watford at the County Ground. As the day unfolded, football seemed totally trivial. Lives were being lost at an event which should have brought joy.

Football must never forget that day. We as people should never forget that day. We are football fans. We have a part to play in the healing process and make sure the mistakes of that day are NEVER repeated. We have a responsibility to make sure the authorities know if things aren’t right. Don’t whisper, SCREAM about it.

R.I.P. the 96 souls who lost their lives that horrible day.

Keep it loud, keep it proud, keep it, always, SWINDON.

Vic

Follow @swindonred