After the dramatic conclusion to the last season and third consecutive relegation reprieve, Tony Humes leads his charges for what should be a much improved and positive season in league one.
Tangarine dream this weekend at the Weston Homes for Super U's
In truth, notwithstanding the changes made during the summer recess, the team that will take the field on Saturday will have a familiar look to it.
The saga of the unnamed player from the Millers withdrawing at the last minute on Tuesday has left Tony Humes to seek another loanee striker elsewhere. It may be too late to introduce a striker for Saturday, but it is vitally important that this position is strengthened and quickly.
£100,000 would prise Izale McLeod from Crawley, but even if we had that sort of (spare) money, is he worth it? Very doubtful and that is why a Championship loanee is favourite on a season long loan.
In the meantime Tony Humes will look to field something akin to the following for the season opener:
Line up as follows:
Brindley Elokobi Eastman Briggs
Edwards Moncur Gilbey
Ambrose Porter Massey
Substitutes: Parish, Wynter, Kent, Vincent-Young, Szmodics, Bonne, Sembie-Ferris
With Big George passing a fitness test, I suspect that he will partner Tom Eastman in the heart of the defence meaning that Wynter will drop to the bench.
We have an embarrassment of riches in midfield, which just leaves the little matter of a 20 goal a season striker. Easy really!
Stop press!
Darren Ambrose has signed from the tractor boys - having just played against us in the recent defeat. He has played 378 games and scored 78 goals and at 31 should be a useful addition to the squad but he is not a striker! I do expect him to start on Saturday however.
What of the opposition?
Just lost their second goalkeeping coach in a week (Bobby Mimms and Fred Barber)
Penalty of three points (suspended for two years) awarded following the fiasco against the Terriers
Fined £50,000
Ongoing Chairman and Director issues
Re-laid pitch a few days ago owing to ongoing quality issues
Manager Neil McDonald (who)
Likely to face successive relegations
Well ignore all that, Saturday is all about three valuable home points for the Super U’s.
We must be focussed only on the football and not on their many problems and issues.
Enjoy the game
Up the U’s