MY FIVE KEYS TO GETTING OUT OF TROUBLE

AS THE table stood before play this weekend, six points separated nine clubs at the bottom end of League One, setting aside basement side Bury.

Three relegation places appear to be at stake with the Shakers in danger of being cut adrift.

When a situation is so tight, outcomes get decided by getting several key and actually quite obvious things right.

Firstly, identifying, picking and playing your best team. So often, when results haven't been great, a manager can lose sight of his best XI. Those truly able and motivated to make a difference. Those who fit together.

Secondly, recognising where there are genuine and essential gaps and being clever and incisive in the January market. Much of that is about market network and market know-how.

I recruited 14 players very cheaply at Newport last January and it was only when those lads found their fitness and form that the team won the points to survive.

Third, backing your players and creating the confidence to win games, based on game plans that expose opponents and play to the strengths of the players in the team.

Fourth, uniting the club around the job of improvement. Fans play a massive part in survival and building up support for players and the team's approach is really key. Despondent fans can hinder team performance.

Then fifth and finally, keeping himself fresh and motivated. A good manager is always first in and last out. He brings the training ground alive and he makes match day special.

When the pressure is on, it can be tough to sustain a smile. But he has to. He has to have a strength of character.

Twenty-two games seems a lot. But that will soon be 19 and then ten games later it's single figures. Momentum can take time to build. The New Year is always a defining time and this year will be no different.