How important is mental toughness?

As we approach the half way point, I think BBM has done a great job. 13 wins and only 5 losses in the first 20 games is very good and our points per game ratio is where it needs to be (2 points plus average per game). He's transformed the same squad of players that Bulut & the Rizlar could barely get a wimper out of and what he's done with the youngsters is amazing.

HOWEVER...do we have the mental toughness and experience to stay the course?

The 15 game run in to the end of the season is as much about togetherness and fight, as it is about having enough quality out there on the pitch. Its clear we have the quality and I do think BBM has instilled a discipline, the players play for him, and I don't think he/they will allow complacency to creep in...but do we have enough fight? Can we do it on quality alone.

We've lost to Bolton, Bradford, Lincoln and could only manage a draw against Stockport. All those boys are up there with us in the top 6 and we've still got to play them again. There were times, against these, where we were physically dominated and outmuscled (Lincoln's 2nd goal a great example of this)

My worry is, for all of BBM's positives, I'm worried he's neglected 2 vital ingredients...fight and physicality. I can't see him addressing this in the Jan window so I really hope to God I'm wrong and we see this through. If he manages it, the guy's a genius!

I certainly don't think we lack fight, the amount of late goals we've scored shows the players have fight and belief to play until the end.

We were away at Bolton, Lincoln and Stockport. Lets see how they do at our place. I think this team have loads of fight and character for such a young team but there were some tired bodies and minds after the Chelsea game. Lawlor had his worst hame for us yesterday.

The way we bounce back after defeat says everything about our mental toughness. We’re good.