[yonmon]

Originally Posted by Whalley Red

This season is different for me.

Every August since we've been in the FL, it has always been a matter of avoiding relegation come May and if we finished a few places higher or had secured safety by Easter, it was a bonus.

That was also the case last year when we lost five of our first six games, but then the SOS Appeal began, Bobby and Symes started to look like a great pairing at Bury and Billy came off the bench to head the winner against Darlington.

From that point onwards until 60 minutes into the Rochdale game, we had the best (and most entertaining) Stanley team that I have seen in my 25 years at the Crown Ground. We were chasing a playoff place and there was even hope of automatic promotion - we were that good.

Coley & JB did a magnificent job with a paltry playing budget and young, hungry players. And once again they have hardly any budget for players and we have concentrated on youth, of which I am particularly optimistic about our Liverpool Youth team midfielders.

I can't go back to hoping that we will merely avoid relegation. Coley showed the way last year and I'm very excited about the new season and optimistic that we will at least have a chance of a playoff place until Easter.

Saturday can't come quick enough for me!

Many share your optimism WR !...only hope that the image of our Club improves to match the efforts of our Manager, Assistant and Team, which in turn will ensure an ever-increasing flow of 'Fans'
through the Turnstiles !!...
('Stanley Hope' suggested that to me !)