Holland`s Big Opportunity

In the current climate, not even the most ardent and loyal Alex fans can really expect us to role over the league leaders on Saturday. Swansea haven`t lost in the last fifteen league games and you have to go back to the 22nd of September for the last time they lost away from home.

In comparison Crewe have only one win in the last fourteen league games, and that was a 4-3 thriller at home against Tranmere. The signs aren`t good for the Alex and first team coach Steve Holland.

Holland is coming under increasing pressure from the Alex faithful and has seemingly being left to hang out to dry by his mentor and club technical director Dario Gradi, who has been anonymous over the last few weeks, coinciding with the clubs recent slump in form.

Is Saturday a game which, because we aren`t expected to win, a chance for Holland to adhere himself to the Crewe fans and players by proving he has the tactical and motivation skills to stun the league leaders, or are Swansea a coup to far?

In recent games it has been evident that the players have taken some of Holland`s input on board, coupled with the fans criticism, the plight of the club is finally starting to hit home and the players seem to be reacting.

On their day Crewe should be able to beat anybody in League One at home without a doubt. With loan signings imminent and tough away fixtures coming up, the Swansea game, where we are expected to get rolled over, is a big opportunity for Holland to show he is capable at this level at that he is not out of his depth.

With loan players hopefully to arrive in the coming days creating competition for places and adding extra quality to the squad, is the tide about to turn for the Alex and Steve Holland, will the ship be steadied and headed in a northerly direction up the League One table? Let`s hope so.

It`s time for Steve Holland to show why Crewe made him first team coach in the first place and for him to repay the faith the club have shown in him. It`s also the time for the players to repay the faith he has put in them to get us out of this mess now, before it is far too late.