Bernard McNally column: I’d make sure our best players are in the XI

Having the wins against Peterborough and Doncaster would have given the players so much confidence.

Let’s make no mistake about it, the manager and players would have been disappointed not to get three points against bottom side AFC Wimbledon.

But they’ll take the positives; another game without conceding and another game they haven’t lost as they put little runs together.

Rotation was an interesting talking point after the game with Greg Docherty and Fejiri Okenabirhie left out.

Sam Ricketts has his opinions on rotation through the experience he’s had and we’re not going to change that.

He’s only had a short experience with Wrexham and Town but he’s obviously learned a lot in that time, as well as from his playing days. He’s seen the benefit of rotation.

Having said that (while looking down from my position in the ivory tower) I was a little bit surprised that Docherty particularly was left out.

But Sam’s the manager, the guy that gets paid to make the decisions. If he wants to rotate then we’re not going to dissuade him.

He has to be sure within his own mind. In management you live or die by your opinions and decisions. I would be slightly different.

It’s whether the player coming in can do as good a job or better from the bench. It’ll always be a debate, fans just always want to see what they interpret as the best side.

On the flip side to that is you could ask 10 fans, myself included, for their line-up and you’d get different views.

He has to be certain the line-up is the best it can be. Maybe he thinks players on a Thursday and Friday aren’t looking as sharp.

The trips to Rochdale and Plymouth are two massive games. Playing teams near the bottom is difficult, they’re scrapping for their lives.

They will try to stifle us, it’ll be tough. On paper you’d think we’ve got enough calibre of players to take two wins, but it doesn’t work like that. I’m still optimistic for six points.

Rochdale never sounds very inviting. Our record is awful there and these stats will be put out for players to read. Sam will be getting his players on the ball psychologically.

Then comes the long journey to Plymouth and the manager will be assessing how his players are feeling physically and mentally.

I noticed Paul Hurst in the running to replace Keith Hill as Rochdale boss.

Funny things happen in football and life. Hursty was great for us, somebody will give him a chance from what he did at Shrewsbury.

I will follow that one with interest. Hopefully he’s not appointed before Saturday...