JUST not good enough? Better than last year? A club on the way up?
This was the debate that Grimsby Town fans were having after the disappointing defeat to Newport yesterday finally put to bed their hopes of promotion to the Football League.
After losing 1-0 due to a late goal at Blundell Park on Wednesday, fans believed a win over two legs was still possible – especially with their impressive away form.
Players went to Newport knowing they needed two goals to secure a place in the Wembley play-off final, but the game was effectively over in the first half when Newport scored, putting them two up over both legs.
More than 700 fans made it to Newport, and the McMenemy Suite at Blundell Park sold out of their 220 tickets.
Many also watched the game at the Coach House, in Humberston.
Neil Barber, 52, of Golf Course Lane, Waltham, said: "I feel a bit disjointed – we just weren't good enough today.
"We need to play different tactics and work on manufactured moves and set plays for next season."
Richard Jones, 56, of Lestrange Street, said: "The passing was woeful and we've lacked creativity in the midfield – they definitely need to bring someone in."
Lee Coxon, 33, of Humberston, said: "The players need to get the ball down – they were just hoofing it around the whole game and it doesn't work for them."
Norman Vevins, 70, of Yarrow Road, Grimsby, said: "I've been a supporter for 60 years and today was a really big let down for everyone who watched."
Grimsby Town Football Club director John Fenty was also disappointed – but took a positive from the club's improvement.
He said: "It's massively, massively disappointing to go out in the way that we did – it's left us all licking our wounds and wondering where we go from here.
"But, at the end of the day, we have to reflect upon the fact that we've had a very good season – we've been to Wembley, we've been in the play-offs and we finished fourth in the table, which is an improvement on last season.
"We now have to look forward to a close season where we dust ourselves down and reassemble a squad that we hope can do even better next time around."
Some fans agreed, turning their attention to next season after the game sealed their fate – another year in the Conference.
In Pictures: Newport 1 Grimsby Town 0 (agg 2-0)
George Kirk, 9, of Thrunscoe Road, said: "When they scored it was awful and the second half was rubbish to watch but I think they'll do better next season – they're a good side."
Dianne Moore, 38, of new Waltham, said: "I'm gutted because we want to be back in the Football League but all we can do now is hope for the best next time."
Some were even optimistic after the game, looking at the season as a whole – a fourth place finish which was a big improvement on 12th last year.
Jon Wood, Grimsby Town Supporters Trust member, said: "What's important is that we did much better this year than we did last season.
"We went from a 12th place finish to 4th and made it to the final of the FA Cup Trophy at Wembley – this is a club that's on the way up.
"Fan participation is great, the team is under good managers and I'm optimistic for next season."
Rob Ward, 34, of Waltham, said Town are definitely "on the ascendancy".
He added: "Obviously I'm not pleased with the result but I've certainly enjoyed this season more than last season."
But it won't be easy to improve, according to Ian Crosby, 38, of Derry Way, Scartho, who said: "Our main problem will be trying to keep hold of the players if we want to build on this season next year.
"Another issue will be injuries. If we have a fit Liam Hearn for the whole season then I think we'll do well but him being out was the difference between finishing top and losing the play-offs for us.
"They need to bring in someone in midfield that can cross the ball into the box. It's no coincidence that Hannah's goals dried up when we lost Neilson."
And although the season was disappointing as a whole, there is at least hope at the end.
Lisa Gray, duty manager at McMenemy's, said: "The game was really tense and it's a really disappointing result but I think everyone's enjoyed the run and we'll be back next season."
