Chissie’s Chat: October

BBC Radio Lancashire commentator, Ian Chisnall writes about the month ahead…

October is another month which sees just a couple of home games with 3 on the road at some fearsome venues. But having already been to the Walker Stadium and Molineux and come away with our heads held high, let’s go into them in positive mode.

A Tuesday night trip to the evidently magnificent Ricoh Arena kicks off the month. Iain Dowie’s Coventry came out of the traps with all guns blazing and quickly positioned themselves right at the top of the league. But whether the early morning swimming sessions or his notorious ice cold shower routine have taken the edge off his players, they`ve come unstuck of late, most notably at Ipswich. They can be very direct using big Dele Adebola, so maybe if we can impose our passing style, we might nick something. I would imagine a certain Andrew Morrell will be licking his lips about the prospect of this one, but Coventry born Ian Evatt will miss out with his long term knee problem. What a blow that is?all the best big man!

Next up a real treat for us press boys. The eccentric Ian Holloway brings Plymouth Argyle to Bloomfield and whatever happens, one of football’s top entertainers will make sure everyone has something to smile about going home. I heard Mr. Holloway on national radio promoting his soon to be launched book?it will be a must for next year`s Greek Island holiday. Having seen much of Plymouth’s TV game against Cardiff, it’s clear they’re about as secure as we`ve been lately at holding on to leads. Larry will be targeting these fixtures as games to be won and that’s the way I see it too. They’re similar to us in that they’ll always have a goal in them, so it might be a case of who defends the better that will take the points.

And try as I may, I still can’t get used to Pool having a blank Saturday for International fixtures, but unlucky 13th, I might have to depress myself on the golf course. Then it’s another home game against those serial under-achievers, Crystal Palace. Given owner Simon Jordan’s expectations, manager Peter Taylor knows he must get the South Londoners up around the top 6 if he is to stay in a job. Our quest for points will be greatly assisted if we can keep a recognised goalkeeper on the pitch – and this hasn’t always happened when Palace have been in town – you feel we must look for something out of this.

West Brom have clearly put all their eggs into one basket in an attempt to regain Premier League status. Millions have been spent and I think Tony Mowbray has the resources to get them up. So it’s a case of get the prayer mats out and we’ll take anything that comes our way.

The final league game of October brings a trip to one of my favourite football venues, Hillsborough. Wednesday have had a horrific start but Brian Laws knows his business and he’ll improve results. Just don`t do it whilst we’re in the Steel City, and a similar outcome to that joyous LDV night is not beyond us.

And who knows?a spicy Carling Cup game to bring in November?

Keep up your superb backing of the lads?and continue to enjoy!

Chissie