WITH a fair wind, together with perhaps a huge slice of good fortune, the U’s could end this current “seasonus horribilis” in the lofty heights of 19th position.

It would however require our boys to register only their second away win of the season to do so, so maybe I am clutching at straws a bit.

It was with massive relief that we managed to finally achieve 100 per cent safety, last weekend. Our three home wins on the bounce being the key to our survival, whilst giving due respect to Grimsby and Southend, as they also got their acts together late on, but in the end they could not trawl in the drifting Barrow and Scunthorpe.

I have to be totally honest, I would personally and certainly prefer a trip to Barrow next season than Roots Hall.

That said, I suspect that U’s might think differently as a home one against a local team does deliver more bums on seats, as would have Cambridge should they finally secure their promotion tomorrow. Northampton are heading our way of course, but they hardly travel with decent numbers.

Look at me already thinking about next season, when there is still one more game to play.

I don’t think I am alone though because the speculation and rumour train has already begun stoking its boiler this week.

I learnt long ago never to believe anything until it was confirmed as true, but it still gives the fans plenty to think about and maybe even dream of. To a degree it helps in the healing process after our forgettable season.

In my view though, there is a big decision to make on the management front. I would be happy to see Hayden given the reins and I think the U's would be very lucky to maintain a relationship with Tisdale.

What us the fans would like to see however, may not necessarily be what the potential candidates have planned of course, let alone what the football club can and feel able to offer.

The same can be said for the players, some of whom may already have something pencilled in elsewhere for next season after their current contract ends this summer, and that's understandable I think.

With the numbers involved, I think the churn levels could be quite high, but we will see.

One player who could become a starting XI regular next season is Josh Bohui, who announced himself as the match winner last Saturday with a lovely taken finish.

I thought the U’s played the game very well and hardly looked like securing anything less than the sole point they needed. Not that I managed to see the opening quarter of the game though due to website issues.

That said, I was kept well informed of proceedings by my more fortunate mate who had already briefed me on the Salford full-back and his love of poorly-timed challenges.

Luckily for me, I achieved a full view of the action just at the right time for his second caution and very early bath.

Once the U's have won tomorrow, and moved up another position, I fully expect the U's to welcome the extra couple of quid they might get for the higher finish. And to be honest it probably will only be a couple of quid.

I really do despair with football sometimes. Because, thankfully, none of the EFL clubs have gone to the wall during the pandemic, so far, the national press barely give the ongoing financial crisis a mention anymore. Perhaps they think it's a problem solved?

Personally I think it will several years to solve especially for clubs like the U's. There should have been more help on the table, with less strings attached, because the end result will be that the already cavernous gap between those at the top table and those crawling on the floor for crumbs, has just become much greater in the last year.

Mind you, supporting football at the top table does not sound that great judging by the last few weeks and the ESL fall out.

Back to the U's, and let's hope that they can sign off in style up at the Wirral. Thanks for your support and I hope you all have a great weekend.

Up the U's!