My pre-season thoughts

What a fantastic pre-season and it doesn't look like we've finished yet.
 
The majority of the incomings know the club already which should reduce the settling in period. We've got value for money in most cases bringing both youth and badly needed experience to the squad.
 
With the seven subs rule, a few weeks ago it looked like we'd struggle to complete the 18 man squad apart from unknown kids. Now, whichever starting XI we put out, there will be plenty of attacking options in reserve waiting to make a difference. The likes of Wilson, Tyson, Smith, Moussi, McCleary and Garner are now looking at a place on the bench at best.
 
Having relied on the likes of Moloney, Byrne and Thornhill through large spells of last season - they can now concentrate on earning valuable experience lower down the leagues. Thornhill in particular should benefit. He's shown moments of genuine quality and an ability to arrive unmarked into the area but needs to be playing every week.

There's genuine competition for places throughout the side. Last season our side almost picked itself, this time there's 2 or 3 players realistically competing for each place.
 
Camp's signing speaks for itself and he was the catalyst for our first improved set of results last season.
 
Lynch struggled in the early stages but once he gained fitness, he started to look the part and will be a useful addition this season. For 200k you can't go wrong. Gunter's mobility and attitude was a revelation from the moment he arrived. Loads of potential and a player who's value is only going to increase. The most impressive signing of the lot.
 
In the case of McKenna, hopefully we've finally found the experience needed in the centre of midfield to do the simple stuff and get us moving forwards. The likes of previous captains, Wilson, Perch and Chambers can now get back to earning their places in our starting XI.
 
Anderson provided badly needed width and defensive cover especially away from home. There were encouraging signs of a partnership between him and Gunter which bodes well for this season. Just needs to add a few more goals to his game.
 
Up front, the likes of McGoldrick, Adebola and possibly Blackstock can only bring out the best in Earnshaw (who should still remain 1st choice). Too often we were reliant on Earnshaw and Tyson, especially during a succession of mid-week games. Our forward line should now create problems for any defence in this league with their collective characteristics.
 
The only real question mark remains over our centre backs where we lack a really dominant figure. Morgan performed consistently well over the whole season and should retain his place. Chambers still has a lot to offer and was a relevation towards the end of the season. He deserves a chance to make this place his own. With Wilson's inconsistent showing last season, there's still room for another addition.
 
Whilst we've revamped the whole squad with known entities, in comparison, many of our rivals have lost key players and even managers in some cases.
 
Roll on 8th August - we've a tough start but it's going to be an interesting ride!