There are lies, damn lies and statistics

There are lies, damn lies and statistics", or so the saying goes. With statistics you can prove almost anything. In every by-election all the major parties' candidates would have you believe that they came out with great success. But there is only one winner. The one with the most votes. In a league table, there is only one team at the top. The one with the most points. And there is only one team at the other end. The one with the least points. This time last year, Chester City were fighting for survival in the law courts whilst achieving "mid table respectability". We would have liked better, but given what was happening we were glad to get through the season. This season we are again facing a hard struggle. But now it is on the pitch.

A look at last year's table will show that Scarborough finished on 48 points. They don't play us this year. With 29 games to go, we have to amass a further 36 points to achieve the same total. Of course, if Shrewsbury or Orient also get 36 more points, then we would still have a problem. And there's always Carlisle. But we are below everyone else at the moment.

Looking into playing records can throw up overall statistics, selected statistics, goal statistics etc. which can allow different interpretations of our performances. Comparisons with previous seasons are interesting but don't help us any. They all count for nowt. It's the current position in the table that is the worrying bit and if we start to climb everyone will be a little happier.

With 60% of the season left, the situation is still in our hands and ought to be for a few weeks yet. But what is needed is a big improvement in points gathering. Who cares whether it is through luck, hard work, new signings, coaching or inspired displays. It needs to happen and it's in the Club's hands.

Last season supporters helped to keep the Club afloat through both physical and financial assistance. This season, all we can sensibly do to help is to stand up (or sit down) and get behind the team. The drummers on the North terrace do their best, but it's when things are going well on the pitch that the noise from around the Deva is greatest. And vice-versa. A chicken and egg situation. Remember the Vale games and the visit of the Villa? Even Cheltenham. Typical examples. All we want to see is our team winning (or not losing). We would all like to see bigger crowds and will help with any initiatives, but winning is the key. That's football.

This week there is the welcome distraction of the AXA "It's a Knockout" Cup, with a second round lucky loser representing Man U. in the next round. Alan and Katie Morgan (true Blues) from the Surrey Arms, Victoria St, Glossop (10 mins from Stalybridge) will be pleased to see any fans before the match for "light refreshments".

The next ISA Members' Meeting is on Monday 22nd Nov, with guest speakers Brian Croft and Graham Bowker from the Football in the Community scheme. Please send in Draw Tickets asap for the ISA sponsorship of the Halifax game. Winners are to be drawn next Saturday at the Swansea match. We need your support.

Les Smith ISA chairman

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