THIS is a column which I did not expect to write, want to write, yet must write.

Forest Green played so badly on Saturday, losing 4-0 at home to Newport County that questions must be asked.

Firstly, what happened to the green shoots of recovery which were flourishing in the game at Notts County?

There must have been an early frost in Nailsworth because they had obviously perished.

Manager Mark Cooper told us after the game he could take no positives from the performance. He was right. Rovers were outplayed all over the field.

The defence crumbled like the cliffs on the Jurassic Coast. Experienced defenders miskicked, missed headers and far too often left attackers unmarked.

Frank Nouble failed to excite when a Swindon Town player; on Saturday he ran Forest Green Rovers ragged. His pace and strength, allied to no little skill made him a real force.

Timid in midfield and lightweight in attack, too many Rovers players looked as if they needed a visa to enter the opposition penalty area.

At Notts County, a driving run by Christian Doidge provided a goal for Omar Bugiel at the far post. The vigorous, physical Bugiel was subsequently dropped!

He is not the finished article but he does have the physical presence Rovers so badly need. He must start matches.

All four Newport goals were scored without a meaningful challenge. The first one was from a corner, given away by a gross miskick. When it was taken all Rovers' defenders stood back and allowed Newport to demonstrate a move straight from their training ground.

I am afraid it got worse, other goals conceded are too painful to describe.

Cooper, dressed from head to toe in natty shades of grey (did you notice the shoes?) had a face of a similar hue when speaking to the press after the game. Like so many of us he looked shell-shocked. Certainly, he was angry, frustrated and disappointed.

He was critical of his players. Fair enough, but they are his players selected from his squad. He signed them. By criticising his players is he not criticising himself?

He has a considerable amount of credit in the bank as he won promotion to the Football League, but how long will this last? I suggest he is safe for the immediate future, but much will depend on what happens next.

Of course, the players have to buck up, go out and win their individual battles on the field. If they do not what chance do we have of winning the all-important collective battle?

As for manager Mark, he needs to address the playing staff in a non-confrontational fashion. He should admit we are in a relegation scrap and in it together. Everyone should be allowed to speak without recrimination.

A genuine spirit of unity must be established.

There is something we can take from Saturday's debacle. At least it is October and not May. Time is on our side, and if we have a total unity of purpose we can come through this.

After what had gone before, Strictly Come Dancing was almost enjoyable. Mrs Light watches it, I am afraid.

Friday evening will definitely be enjoyable. It is the Gloucestershire County Cricket Club quiz at the Market Hall, Northleach in aid of the club's academy.

Star of South Cerney theatricals Phil James will be question master. His style is a combination of David Niven and Oliver Reed.

Cheerful and harmless jests are sometimes aimed at those suffering personal misfortune. The plight of Forest Green Rovers will not have escaped his notice. I anticipate a rough time unless something positive happens at Coventry on Tuesday night.

Unlike the Rovers defence I will not wilt.