And so we sit on the edge of another season and we’re back to the point where there’s nothing to worry about so let’s make the most of that while it lasts. Because once 3pm on Saturday comes around, nine months of worry, doubts, heartache, perhaps even joy and hope begins.
Since that fateful day at Elland Road in early May there’s been changes aplenty but whatever side starts and finishes this season it’s imperative that we get our ambition back, imperative that we get our Cobblers back.
The most noteable changes to the squad have come at the back, with Mark Hughes, Chris Doig and Jason Crowe all leaving this summer. This must be one major concern, with a defence that hardly knows each other set to start the season. Dean Beckwith and Craig Hinton must gel from the start to give Chris Dunn behind them a little bit of confidence. It’s still worth noting that Dunn is a rookie, thrown in at the deep end last season when Bunny left for Blackburn, and his vulnerability needs to be protected despite a vast improvement over the last few months of last season.
In midfield, Giles Coke decided to play a nasty game in giving his word that he would sign before flying off to Motherwell but this is a terrific chance for the likes of Alex Dyer to break into the side. Abdul Osman must hold the middle of the field together and he could be key in some of the more physical battles this division provides. Ryan Gilligan also gets a chance for now and his hard work could prove vital. Liam Davis’ injury looks to keep him out but Holty can step in if needed – he was one of the players that did actually battle in the run in last season and League Two needs that sort of mettle.
Up top we’ll turn to Bayo for the goals but thankfully we look to have finally found a nifty young whipper snapper in Billy McKay that could be the secret weapon to play off the big man. Last season we had Constantine which says it all, and we at least have goals in us with different types of forward – the hustling Bayo and Guinan, the pacy McKay and the workhorse Mulligan.
So all in all we’re looking pretty strong with the defence the main concern for me. If they can get together quickly and figure out an understanding then their records show that their talents can aid a promotion challenge.
It’s that illusive good start we crave so much and with Macclesfield coming to town we have a good chance of that. I can’t help think that there could be a sting in the tail as there so often is on opening day and I’d much rather be playing Notts County’s new era on day one than the Silkmen, who beat us 1-0 at Moss Rose on opening day 1999 – ten years and a day previous to this season’s big kick off. Hopefully no bad omens there but remember we were promoted that season in third place following a magnificent final day out at Plainmoor, Torquay.
Anything like a season to match that one will be terrific and if we can erase the still lingering heartache of Elland Road within the first couple of months of the 09/10 season then I’ll be delighted. The hurt is still there but the fans, players and staff now have to use that pain to push for a place back in League One.
Up The Cobblers!
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