Paul was an interested observer with Glenn Roeder when the reserves lost to Arsenal on Monday night and he admits: "The Arsenal reserve game was disappointing from our point of view though they had an incredibly strong side out, and I'd hate to think how much it cost.
"But some of our younger players who have been doing very well recently didn't perform last night or quite do themselves justice - sometimes this happens.
"Unfortunately Steve Potts got himself sent off. We needed 11 players to give ourselves the chance against Arsenal anyway, but to be down to 10 men made it very tough."
One player that did catch the eye, though, was attacking midfielder Richard Garcia, who scored a header from a corner, and Paul says: "I'm sure Richard is one we want to try and push on. He had a good game against Arsenal and was one of the ones that did play well.
"He has done very well this season, is improving nicely, and has worked hard whenever he has got in with the first team squad.
"He has been listening and learning, and when he has been with Roger in the reserves he has worked hard as well - he is taking good steps in the right direction.
"There are not many other midfielders but John Moncur is training again which is a nice bonus. Steve Lomas is still a way away but the sooner we can get him back the better.
"Our midfield are pretty formidable in terms of the four we have got straight away but you don't have to be a rocket scientist to realise it is one area where we are short of cover and options.
"Glenn is working tirelessly to try and improve that situation in midfield and at the back but there is no point bringing in players who are not up to doing the job or who are not better than what we have got.
"We have to persevere and keep going until we find the right players."