The boring old 'never go back' trope was really being pedalled on Wasn't At The Game today. It's such a cliche, utterly meaningless, and frankly stupid argument. It has been disproved time and time again. Some numpty even used Jim Smith as an example of why it doesn't work. Jesus Christ, it was infuriating. Sometimes the callers are sensible and reasoned, often, however, it seems as though they've rounded up the village idiot from each corner of Oxfordshire to give their opinion.
I want Appleton back, I'll make no secret of that. (As did a number of the fans I spoke to pre-match today). If you don't want him back, fine, but offer some proper justification of this, please. If I hear one more 'never go back' I might have an aneurysm.
As none of the callers or anyone on the panel wanted to offer support for Appleton's return, I'll say this: He is the best manager we've had for the best part of 25 years. He's the only manager in that time whose departure has not been welcomed by the majority of the fan base. He's capable of building a balanced squad. He's balanced and pragmatic. His sides play good football. His arrival would give the fan base a much needed boost, and be as close to a universally popular decision as possible. He's got us out of a relegation battle before. He knows and has worked with people at the club, such has Fazakerly and Wayne Brown. So we've been told, he activity wants to come back. If he's willing to risk his legacy at the club, why should we stop him?
"Uh yeah, hello Jerooome. Never go baaack is what I say".
That was Bill from Thame on the line there, calling from his hotel in Lanzarote where he's been on holiday every February since 1954.
