I am a glass half full kind of guy, as you are all aware. I actually think that Phil has now got his squad sorted. I am very happy with the signings we have made. The James Jones one I did not see coming at all, but he was a superb centre back when he was last here and I did not want him to go. Fortunately, Toby stepped up to the plate, Tom Hannigan was already an established centre back. Both James and Lewis Baines are substantial replacements. Though I was sad when we lost the old guard due to going full time, we have attracted a good calibre of replacements and have the makings of a good squad now. Losing Matt and Isaac to injury was a blow, but now we have strength in depth throughout the team. Fans are bound to worry a little when we make changes to the squad and change the dynamics of part time to full time, but I think we should trust Phil and Neil. They have never let us down with recruitment in the past, sometimes signings work and sometimes they don't. I think both of them have applied a great deal of thought to the squad during close season. Look down the road at M16, and see what has happened there during close season. The United fans have been pulling their hair out, and I don't blame them. Phil and Neil have gone about their rebuild quietly and efficiently and I have been very impressed. None of the stress that our neighbours have been through. Just a bit of excitement, speculation and chat on the fan's site, I love the way our club have done it. Midfield I think is still strong, we have signed Josh back again, and though we are unfortunate to lose Isaac and Matty, we have good cover for their positions. Finally with the forward line we have the ever reliable Jordan Hulme, Ryan Colclough is still a great danger to the opposition down the left, and Marcus Dinanga has started to score in our friendlies, following on from what he did at Dartford. We now also have who I think may be the key signing in our forward line Alex Samizadeh. I still am not sure how to pronounce his surname, but my god he is going to cause opposing defenders some problems. His footwork is superb and he has many tricks up his sleeve. Phil told me he is 23, still young and yet to reach his peak, needs a little work on his finishing but has great potential. If anybody can bring this out of him, Phil and Neil can. I spoke to Alex yesterday and he is a very nice fellow too. He is one of the players I am looking forward to watching. I remember being blown away by his play at Trafford, and shouting great skills 18, fantastic. He actually remembered that when I spoke to him yesterday. We need to give him support and encouragement and I know he will come good. My minds eye tells me he will win us a couple of penalties too, as opposing defenders have their blood twisted.
I understand the negativity because for a few years we had it so bad, but this is the Phil and Neil era now and we should trust them and remember this a very exciting time to be at the club. I am so looking forward to this season, we all should. How high can we finish, not we're doomed!