I had high hopes for the Harriers before the new campaign kicked off, and I still do, despite what has been a nightmare start.


Five defeats from the first five games was certainly not in the script. Still, we now have our first point on the board after the 1-1 draw with Barrow on Saturday. For a while it looked like we might grab all three but Danny Pilkington’s goal was cancelled out late on. 


Nevertheless, it means we’re up and running this season, so hopefully we can kick on from here.


Although the table never lies, I don’t think it is as bad as it looks. From what I’ve seen so far there certainly hasn’t been a lack of effort, we just need that little bit of luck.


Football is a funny old game and sometimes things just don’t go your way. The best thing to do when this happens is keep plugging away and I firmly believe this is what the players will do. I wouldn’t expect anything less from a side with Steve Burr at the helm.


Having Lee Vaughan suspended for the opening four games was a big blow, as is the continuing absence of Jamille Matt. It is evident that we are missing the big man up top. His hold up play is superb and at the moment the ball just isn’t sticking in the final third. The sooner he is back, the better.


Following the loss at Dartford, Burr said that the team wasn’t functioning as a unit, and I agree with him. But hopefully with the closure of the transfer window the squad can now settle down and put some results together.


The whole Exodus saga was unwelcome and I’m just glad it has been put to bed. He's gone and it's time to move on.


At least the deal was sorted in time to allow Burr to bring in Josh Gowling and Manny Panther on deadline day. Both players have a wealth of experience, so hopefully they prove to be useful additions.


Gowling, 28, was allowed to leave by Lincoln City and will provide cover at centre-back, whereas, Panther, 28, who left Aldershot in the summer, will help fill the void left by the injury to Jack Byrne.


Byrne faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after rupturing his Achilles after an innocuous fall in the match against Dartford. We all wish him the best of luck in his recovery.


The gaffer has also brought in Richard Peniket from Fulham. On loan at Aggborough until January, the 19-year-old looks to have a decent eye for goal and could prove to be a good bit of business.


Hopefully, with a little rub of the green, we can get that elusive win and then build on it. After all, there are still 40 games left to play!


A look in the history books will show that Jan Molby’s men lost four of their first five games at the start of the 1999/2000 campaign, and they finished the season as champions - so let’s not hit the panic button just yet!