Comment by Jules Hornbrook

WHAT a week! It's not often you see home supporters leave a ground after a defeat with a smile on their faces is it?

That's exactly what occurred last Saturday when the Alex narrowly lost to Leeds at Gresty Road.

We lost, for sure. And it could have been a cricket score after we had a man dismissed early.

But that's the point – we didn't crumble. The 10 remaining showed incredible fight and never hinted they'd throw in the towel. Not for the first time since Christmas, they did us proud.

Gudjon Thordarson probably tore shreds off them at half-time of course. But it's a refreshing factor in the ongoing transformation of our club. Long may it continue. That's part of the manager's role and something we've craved for years.

So with another rocket launched, the Alex players came out for the second half looking like the side with 11 men.

Then, in the final quarter, Leeds players and fans sported worried expressions. Not only could the game have finished 3-3, the Alex could have easily won it.

That's enough excitement for most, but on Monday we had a fans' forum, where positive noises were made and John Bowler reassured supporters that Thordarson was his own man and very much in charge.

Good. That's what everyone wanted to hear. When will this positive news subside?

Then came Tuesday's trip to MK Dons – another top side who probably expected to roll us over.

At 2-0 down, most bookies would have packed up for the night, but the players rolled up sleeves, listened to the gaffer and played their hearts out.

There were some clever changes and Thordarson seems to be a man who can get the best from a situation. Again, the draw was no surprise and the final moments even threatened a winner.

It's all a far cry from what we had become accustomed to under Dario Gradi and Steve Holland.

Now I wish Holland well at Stoke and hope Gradi can now work within the Alex academy. He's done his bit on the front line; now he really must step aside.

Thordarson has a firm grip on the team and knows what he wants. He must be given space.

Assuming that safety will be confirmed within the next couple of weeks, I'm already excited about the likely changes that will happen over the summer.

I bet Thordarson has been casting an eye around for players. In theory, with players of his own on board, we should be treated to even better. Then we'll all wear permanent smiles...

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