Danny Salman: How can I be too negative - Plymouth Argyle are bottom of the league

THE unpleasant truth is never popular, particularly in these days when football is full of spin, self-interest and downright naivety.

My opinions about just why Plymouth Argyle are in the state they are in have provoked responses from fans who accuse me of being too negative.

Too negative? Hang on a minute we're bottom of League Two, three points from safety and therefore looking down the barrel of a loaded shotgun.

I pride myself on being realistic and honest and as a football man through and through and someone who has opted to live in Plymouth, I'm as upset, frustrated and angry as any of the Green Army at our plight. Yes, Argyle bought themselves breathing space by drawing at Wimbledon on Tuesday night and well done to the players for that.

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And they can improve their situation further at home to Barnet on Saturday and fingers-crossed we do.

The Bees are still in the mire like Argyle, but unlike the Pilgrims, they are showing more signs of improvement, which we aren't.

Nine points from a possible 21 in the past seven games and with presumably better, promotion-hunting sides to come in March doesn't fill me with optimism.

However, and I'm trying my best to be positive, if they can get three points from Barnet, then Argyle will have a fighting chance for the remaining 11 games of what, hopefully, won't be their last season in the Football League for at least a year.

As I said earlier, people have challenged me about my perceived pessimism over the club, but I call it as I see it.

I praise where it's due and thrown brickbats when it's appropriate.

I'm always happy to debate matters with fans, who by and large, come around to my way of thinking, when I have, hopefully, explained in greater detail just where Argyle's problems lie.

I love football and can empathise with the supporters, but I'm not about to gloss over the self-interested attitude of too many inside the game.

Argyle have been prey to this over the past five years which has led, in my view, to where they are now.

Too many mistakes made by people in charge, who for whatever reason thought that the appointments of Paul Sturrock and Paul Mariner as manager were good ideas.

Remember when Ian Holloway walked away five years ago, Argyle were fourth in the Championship and with every chance of making the play-offs to the Premier League.

More recently, I would argue that Argyle's position would have been improved if Carl Fletcher's stint in the hot-seat been terminated a lot sooner.

Present manager John Sheridan hasn't been handed a bed of roses as he seeks to keep Argyle in the Football League.

But he does have a chance and that's what we have to hang on to as we go into the final run-in.

And although the Argyle fans deserve a lot better than trusting to luck – I'll be keeping my fingers crossed along with the best of them over the next couple of months.