Simon Leslie: Eastbourne Borough are still growing – the setbacks don’t change that

Over the festive period we took six points from nine, and while Saturday’s 2-1 defeat away at Slough Town was disappointing, it didn’t undo the bigger picture.

What’s encouraging is how this group is growing. The courage and the trust. The willingness to keep playing, keep competing and keep backing each other even when moments don’t go our way.

On a bitterly cold Tuesday night at home to Horsham, we did not show our best performance. It was probably one of our worst. Same players that won, same management, I hope it was just a blip. And we will put it right.

Tuesday’s performance will bring out the critics – and a reaction.

I saw some of the commentary from Slough over the weekend, and perhaps the most useful reminder was this: this is a long game. Our strategy hasn’t changed and it should not be dictated by short-term noise and results.

Nothing develops players like full-time football. You cannot build consistency, culture or real improvement with two hours on a Tuesday and Thursday night. It simply doesn’t work.

And when you look properly at the numbers, the cost difference between full-time and part-time football is often overstated. What is undeniable is the difference in preparation, recovery, learning and accountability.

Progress requires commitment. From players, from staff and from leadership. However, as this crazy world of football is showing right now, changes are aplenty. And we are all judged on our results.

Criticism is easy when you’ve never had to take the risk, make the decision or live with the consequences. But nothing meaningful is built without conviction, and nothing ambitious is achieved without the critics.

Tommy Widdrington continues to add to and shape his squad. There will be ins and outs.

This Saturday’s break is a well-needed one that gives us some time to make some changes. Next Saturday (Jan 17) we are away at high-flying Hornchurch and it’s a really demanding run ahead: a big six-pointer at home to Farnborough on January 24, Enfield Town at home on Jan 31 and a trip to Dagenham & Redbridge in between. Proper tests. The kind that will show what courage we have.

Away from the pitch, the change is just as real.

The padel courts are being fitted this week, and anyone suggesting nothing has changed quite clearly hasn’t been in the clubhouse recently. A lot has changed and more continues to change all with one aim: to ensure this club can support the community in the best possible way.

If anyone doubts whether this is a community club, watch the documentary and see how many local people love it, support it and feel connected to it. That pride doesn’t come from words, it comes from action.