Talbot: It would have been better had we been relegated last season

In Brian Talbot's (pictured) post-match interview after the 2-1 loss to Stockport County, he was understandably miffed. His team had just managed to be outplayed by the worst team in League One, and for County to avoid finishing in bottom place would take a miracle almost unequalled in the universe. With the possible exception of Cliff Richard getting to number one.

But in it he said, "In hindsight it would have been better for me personally if we had been relegated last year, because I wouldn't have got the blame and I would have had a season to rebuild."

When I first saw that in the Oldham Chronicle I read it. And re-read it. And read it again. And still it makes me confused, annoyed and frustrated, all at the same time.

It sounds very alarming and defeatist, to be honest. Has there ever been a manager who wished his team was relegated? Some people may think it, but surely none would ever say it? That's like almost wishing it to happen.

But that is what Talbot has done. Coupled with the fact that he said that the team he has still wasn't "his team", it should set alarm bells ringing. Isn't Talbot just making excuses for his team's lack of passion and excessive defensive naffness? The players he puts onto the pitch are under his command, and it's Talbot's job to instill passion and confidence into them, nobody elses.

On a slightly brighter note, Talbot set Latics a target of 50 points to avoid relegation. That's 14 points from 14 games, and even I can tell you that's a point a game. Oldham can manage that, surely?