The Football League Paper

Now there’s new reason for optimism!

IT’S been a bleak opening half of the season for the likes of Ipswich, Bradford, Notts County and Macclesfield, so yesterday must have left them just little bit merrier.

Heading into their home clash against Wigan, the feeling was that Ipswich desperately needed a win to boost their morale. Some fans went into the game fearing that the Tractor Boys would be down if they lost.

Thankfully for them, Freddie Sears – a man reinvigorated by manager Paul Lambert – popped up with the only goal of the game to earn a massive three points and leave them five points from safety.

It was their first home win at the 11th attempt so that is one monkey off their back.

Poor old Bradford have had a terrible time this season, but there are signs they are flickering back to life. Their 4-0 victory at home against Walsall yesterday must have felt like a dream for long-suffering fans.

They also scored four in the FA Cup against Peterborough in midweek before going out on penalties, so it looks as though David Hopkin’s men have well and truly found their shooting boots.

The Bantams have also hauled themselves off the foot of the table.

Notts County are already on to their third manager of the season following the sackings of Kevin Nolan and Harry Kewell – it’s been a grim old time.

Yesterday, new boss Neal Ardley’s first home game in charge ended in a 3-2 victory against Tranmere at Meadow Lane, a fine result and one that gives hope for the future.

Macclesfield’s return to the EFL this season has been miserable, but they will be praying they can turn the corner under new manager Sol Campbell.

After last week’s narrow loss at Colchester, he, too, earned his first win bonus with a 2-0 home success against Crawley.

They still prop up the table, but, as with their fellow cellar dwellers, there is reason to be optimistic. Perhaps 2019 will be a whole lot better...