Must be my age, but the summer seemed to come and go in a flash. No sooner had we got a new manager and a handful of new signings, the Euros started, England lasted the full duration and then we were straight into pre-season and then bosh, the opener comes along and we’ve got a 4-1 win under our belt. Although most who made it to the game (I’m not back from my summer holidays until late August) seemed to agree that the score was flattering, it’s been a while since we scored 4 goals in a game, and from four different players too. Obviously we won’t know at this stage whether this was a one-off or our three year scoring problems are finally over.
So thoughts on the signings. Ignoring the youth/ ‘B’ Team players who were released, it’s been roughly one-out, one-in (actually 8 out, 7 in). The four early signings, dubbed Phase One by the club, lifted the optimism of the fans as all had had been quality players at this level last season. The other three seem to be a little more of a gamble, Marcus Wylie stepping up three levels, Euan Williams having only played one first team game for Charlton, coincidentally against us a couple of years ago in the Pizza cup (I was there too – had to kick Sir Keith Peacock out of my seat!), and Jacob Wakeling, a loanee from Peterborough (although he was a regular for Swindon a couple of years back). Whilst quietly confident that the squad is noticeably stronger than it was last season, I’m also keeping my fingers crossed that another signing or two, possibly loanees, join before deadline day.
Nothing really to say about the loss at Swansea. Again, I didn’t see the match as I’m away, but I really did like Bonner’s pre and post-match comments. “Give it a shot, but it’s not our priority” was the plan – and one I could buy into. And not a lot of fuss or arguments with regards the red card either.
And I guess that’s it. Fingers crossed for another comfortable win on Saturday.