IF there’s one question I get asked most by supporters after disappointing results like those at Rodney Parade over Christmas it’s ‘what will you do to turn it around?’

I would urge any Dragons supporters to watch the brilliant documentary made by RugbyPass during pre-season and you will see that there is absolutely no hiding place in our environment.

I get the feeling from some people that they believe after such losses we go back to Ystrad Mynach, pat each other on the back and draw a line under it.

As the documentary shows, this is certainly not the case. Unfortunately for Pat Howard he got the screen time during the episode but I can assure you he wasn’t the first, and won’t be the last, to get a very public dressing down when a mistake is made.

After a team review, units review and every player having a one-to-one meeting with the coaches, there will be no doubt as to what needs to improve.

The players will be hurting as much as anyone after not ending our disappointing streak of derby defeats at Rodney Parade and missing the chance to inspire the bumper crowds we saw over the Christmas period.

I saw many faces at the games that I hadn’t seen for a long time, so it goes to show we are making the right noises, but also we are under no illusions that we need to deliver the product.

Obviously the weather hindered any opportunity to play the expansive style of rugby that we are working hard to create, but it’s the simple and effective type of rugby that we will need to improve quickly.

With one of the toughest trips in the league at the Scarlets tonight, this will be as important as ever.

Ironically, a few days before the first sodden Christmas derby ex-Dragons captain Andrew Coombs was talking about the advantages of summer rugby compared to the winter schedule we currently have.

Admittedly it’s something all players talk about towards the end of the season when the weather improves, but at this time of year when it’s so busy you just get on with it. The games come around quicker than you have time to think.

But with not being able to currently play because of injury and the thought being fresh in my mind, it really did open my eyes to the possible advantages of a summer rugby season.

Turning up to the Ospreys game it was dark, freezing cold and pouring with rain. Not a good start.

Then when you see the people who have braved the conditions to watch the game, all looking for any shelter they can find, the type of rugby the weather allows is barely enough to warm the cockles.

Imagine this fixture was in June instead of December 31?

The fact that the quality of rugby played would improve is a given but it would also lead to higher scores and more excitement.

This would then lead to increased crowds and a much better match day experience. It would become more of a full day out for the family.

You can imagine having kids’ tournaments taking place on the ‘Cabbage Patch’ (which is a no go area in the winter) before the game, many more food and drink outlets and even live music to create a great atmosphere where people spend hours both pre and post-match.

As it stands, the majority arrive shortly before kick-off and leave at the final whistle.

With the talk of coordinated seasons with the southern hemisphere maybe this is an opportunity to edge further towards this?

I can’t say I have spoken to anyone who is against the idea, so it makes you wonder why it’s never seriously discussed.

I have only mentioned a few positives that I see for the professional game, but I believe the positives for the amateur and junior game to be even greater, especially when it comes to participation.

We’ve all seen how pitches hold up at this time of year and the amount of postponements that follow.

From what I can see it makes sense for rugby, business and the social aspect of sport. Am I missing something here?

Happy New Year and let’s hope for a winning start to 2018.