SPORTSDESK COMMENT: What I’d tweak to push Boro forward

At this point of the season, managers, fans and reporters alike tend to cast their eyes back over the season to where the games were won and lost.

It isn’t often that you say that something was won or lost in Ossett, but that has probably been the case.

It is all about next season now, and where Boro need to build if they are to have a chance of progressing to the next level.

By that point hopefully the financial superpowers of both Darlington and Salford City will both be out of the way, which will create a very level playing field.

Both took six points off Boro in the league this season and clearly exploited a weakness in the line-up.

I dread to think how many times this season I have tweeted “error at the back” or “defensive mistake”, but it highlights what has cost Boro dear.

For much of the season Boro have fielded a young defence, which is a complete contrast to the teams around them in the division.

Teams like Darlington, Salford and Bamber Bridge have thrown out big, ugly and growling defenders, who do nothing but head and kick.

Darlington’s defenders never get caught in a foot-race, it is all about picking up your man and nothing else.

Speaking to Paul Foot for his column he told me that he was never bothered about watching the game, it was about making sure that he was ready.

The points Boro have lost because they haven’t been ready is ridiculous.

Boro’s attack will always score goals, but a little more solidity will bring them points.

A talker on the park is another key thing that Boro have been lacking.

You could have heard a pin drop around the Boro defence and midfield last Saturday at Northwich. No telling off, no nothing.

Youngsters need experience to bring them on, as a kid it is great to be talked through a game.

Giving you encouragement, putting you right, just a word of advice helps so much.

Just a few tweaks could really create a squad capable of climbing out of this division.

Boro’s joint-bosses have already kicked off the search for fresh reinforcements.

And I now await with an excited anticipation what the next few months will bring.