Reflections & 2013/14 Preview

I started promoting Pride of Nottingham around December, it wasn't a good time for a site with our title. It received some eyebrow raising comments early on but even then I felt that we could come good.

If I think back, for myself the point it became concerning was when speculation started spreading around with regards to Lee Hughes future.

The passion from this point just seemed to be draining, the players seemed to have lost hope and when this happens any prospect for promotion must really be questioned but even then I still had hope right up to the very end.

For me the pitch is a poor excuse especially if other teams manage to play okay on it. I would point the downward spiral to mental awareness and perhaps Keith Curle's tactical decisions in which we saw countless times a striker replaced for a midfielder in games we was narrowly winning or drawing. Also noticeably the players lacked to take a chance and some seemed to be scared to have a go at goal, such as Hamza Bencherif at Swindon (although to be fair other players too).

It got to the point it looked like the players just wanted to have the season over, the fans cried out for entertainment and it just became a depressing atmosphere.

Into 2013/2014 things look better, as Chris Kiwomya is assembling a pretty good squad. The only release I questioned – Julian Kelly, a player who I felt could have been worth the gamble on fitness but what do I know about football?

Signings such as Danny Haynes, Mustapha Dumbuya, Mark Fotheringham and David Bell tick boxes for expectant fans. With Andy Haworth showing promise after being written off by some of our own fans and fans of former clubs.

Friendlies – It's been exciting on this front, after a fairly quiet period. Galatasaray was a very impressive performance by all involved, Mark Fotheringham earned his contract in this game, no question! He was flawless and shows the spirit of a team midfielder who wants to win games.

Our previous friendly against Rayo Vallecano much the same, free flowing football and quick paced attacks. We didn't seem afraid to try something, which in games is all you need – along with luck of course.

The tour in Finland regardless of the structure of the teams we played or the quality of the sides for me is important, the fact Chris Kiwomya wanted to get the players bonding and to have fun, it can't be faulted and it seems to have paid dividends with morale being high.

Before the signings, I must admit I was getting concerned – much like I was when Chris Kiwomya took over but he's earned the word 'faith' and I put my trust in any future decisions.

This leaves me to discuss the upcoming season which isn't far away now at all, I'm very excited about this as I stuck to my promise and purchased a season ticket. I also plan to attend as many away games as I can but not everybody can and I feel very fortunate that I can.

Whilst a section of fans were thinking relegation ahead, I was thinking mid table, around the 12th position. Having had time to reflect on the friendlies, see the players and take into consideration that the teams we've played are of a better standard of football it's looking more rosy for us.

I definitely feel that we can achieve a play-off place, if we can pick up big results I do not see why we can't push more but ultimately this will fall down to the character of the players and the hope that we the fans can encourage them or pick 'em up when they're dropping their heads. I would love to see a repeat of the Galatasaray game, the support was second to none.

If we can bulk our squad a little more, with strengthening to the midfield and centre backs for rotation/cover, we will have a squad capable of challenging anywhere from around 4th up.

The pitch looks good, the fans are optimistic which leads to a really good go this season.