THIS might surprise some people, but passion does not win football matches.

One of the consistent things called for during this recent run by Town’s keyboard warriors and those in the stands is more passion.

Former boss Mark Cooper was regularly cited for not showing enough zeal on the sidelines. The fans wanted more arm-waving, more pointing, more shouting. At least that way it would show he cared.

They want the same from the players. A couple of full-blooded challenges, more vocals and some chest thumping would turn things around, apparently.

However, I am afraid 11 Stuart Pearces will not win a football match. In fact, you only have to look at his managerial record to tell you where passion alone gets you.

Too often passion is confused for determination, they are not the same thing.

Roy Keane was not a passionate player, but a determined one. He had a will to win and inspired the same in his team-mates.

When Town boss Martin Ling criticised his side after their dismal display at Fleetwood, passion was absent from his criticism, determination was not. Cooper would often use the same brush to damn his defence when they failed to do their job properly.

Sadly, determination is not the only thing lacking from this team, quality is too. Massimo Luongo, Nathan Byrne, Wes Foderingham and Harry Toffolo were simply better than the players in the current squad.

No amount of passion from the likes of Bradley Barry, Brandon Ormonde-Ottewill, Anton Rodgers or Henrik Ojamaa will turn them into top League One players. Only hard work on the training ground.

Some might look to counter this debunking of the passion myth by pointing to the Thompson brothers, but the truth is they are also driven workers and technically good players.

Nathan’s absence has been so keenly felt, not because he is a vocal leader, but because he is a good defender who leads by example.

Similarly Louis, when he embarks on a drive from midfield and finishes with a delightful pass, that is quality not emotion.

Passion does not score last-minute winners from 25 yards - skill, technique and ability do.