There is one advantage to this otherwise dire state of affairs, though. (trustedreviews.com)
The current dire state of engagement is not a chance for us to let our own standards slip. (croakey.org)
You know that when half the fanbase is hoping for the game to be called off for whatever reason, while the other half is plotting to stay at home despite having the tickets, the footballing aspect of your team must be in dire state. (gunnerstown.com)