I START the New Year aghast! Once nine points in front, now six points adrift – Forest Green Rovers are in freefall. What has gone wrong?

There have been no league wins since November 12. December was a quite dreadful month for the club.

This column is being written two hours after the game at the New Lawn on Sunday against Torquay United who are struggling towards the bottom of the division.

Rovers conceded five goals. Yes, they scored five themselves, but if promotion is to be won there must be a mighty improvement, especially in defence.

I shall not name names as defending is a whole-team responsibility. If forwards give the ball away, defenders can be exposed. If defenders are not determined enough any team will struggle. That is happening all too often.

In a tough, vigorous league, you cannot give your opponent any opportunity.

FGR defenders seem to have adopted a policy of uniform gentility allowing the men they are marking to get to the ball unchallenged.

This is not a good idea. I have just seen Torquay gifted five goals.

“It was a good game for the neutral,” is such a meaningless cliche. There were not many neutrals at the match.

“We fought well to come two goals back,” is another stupid saying.

I was left furious and frustrated – not delighted to have salvaged a point.

What is manager Mark Cooper going to do?

I have three suggestions. Firstly, remind all the players of their defensive responsibilities – firmly.

Secondly, recall experienced defender Aarran Racine from his loan at York as soon as possible and, thirdly, play Elliott Frear from the start.

Elliott can be frustrating as his crossing and shooting are often wayward, but he can beat an opponent and carry the ball forward.

Mark is not under pressure from the majority of fans. They understand what he is trying to do and will support him. The pressure comes from elsewhere in the league.

Forest Green are seen as a ‘moneybags’ club, expected to do much better. Their present run of wretched form is exposing all involved to ridicule. I have seen pressure defeat both previous managers, Dave Hockaday and Ady Pennock, and do not not wish to see the situation repeated.

The responsibilities will not be shirked. Mark does not dodge anything; now he must show what he is truly made of.

Now for my New Year and sporting wishes. My main ones are quite simple. Let us have a total ban on drugs in sport – a ban that all governing bodies are honest and strong enough to enforce.

Beating the Russians with a big stick is fair enough but we need to keep our own house in order too.

Cycling for instance has so many questions to answer.

At a local level we need many clubs to follow the example of Oaksey CC. They improved their team and facilities and have bravely accepted the challenge of promotion to the County League.

They can now test themselves against better opposition. They will not end the season wondering. Some tough games will be won and all cricketers will wish them well I may have banged on too much about Forest Green this week.

Spare a thought for Mrs Light. She has to listen to me at breakfast, lunch and dinner, over coffee, in the garden, car and bed. Currently she is suffering in silence.