The step up is a factor, of course. The gulf in class between leagues 1 and 2 seems to have grown during our decade in the bottom tier, and we’ve struggled to adapt. In Moxon’s case, he’s unfortunately playing in a side where 4 or 5 of those starting alongside him seem unable to hit the levels required on a consistent basis, and he’s suffering as a result.
Our frustrations with him are (I think) the result of heightened expectations of him. Were a new signing in midfield putting in the performances that he has this season, I think they’d be viewed in a different light. But as our ‘talisman’, he’s expected to pick the lock to Fort Knox.
Anyhow, Simmo has confirmed today that our first January signing has agreed a deal, and also confirmed that we’re trying to do a deal for a striker who would be a club record signing, whilst playing down our hopes of that one actually happening. January may change things at the club, and Mox may suddenly find himself playing alongside higher quality teammates. That’s when we’ll find out just how good he can be at this level.
Either way, we can’t afford to let him go as it stands. Understand why he may look like a case of ‘much ado about nothing’ at the moment - but don’t write him off, whatever happens tomorrow.