The forthcoming season has to be the most important in the history of Grimsby Town Football Club. A bit dramatic? Perhaps, but make no mistake 2014-15 is vital.
This will be Towns 5th season in non league and I think that is enough. We have taken our punishment with good grace but now it is time to be reinstated into the world of proper football.
Last season Town came slightly closer to returning to the league but ultimately fell short. The disappointment of Gateshead still sits uneasily. The conning of the gullible referee left a bad taste but for me the tepid first half showing, knowing what was at stake, was a huge disappointment.
That is now behind us. We look forward to a new adventure starting on Saturday.
Are the fans feeling optimistic? I think most recognise the new signings are largely, on paper at least, promising. For me the addition of much needed pace into the squad is very positive. Pitman, Arnold, Mackreth and Nisiala are all quicker than the players they replaced. This should enable us to benefit when we regain possession, it will give us the opportunity to take on defences and attack the space behind them..
The one down side is the lack of an additional striker. Forwards are always the hardest to find. I am sure Paul a Hurst could have signed a new front man but it has to be the 'right' one. Some seem to think it is like shopping in Tesco's. It isn't!
The fantastically named Omar Bogle got rave reviews on message boards but i doubt many, or even any, had seen him play. The fact that he hasn't (yet) moved elsewhere suggests he may not be the new goalscoring messiah we seek.
I am sure an additional striker will be added to the squad but the longer the wait goes on it points to a loanee. This may actually be a better move. It could suggest we may be able to get a better class on loan without the commitment to a permanent deal on either side and potentially, at least, without paying all his wages.
What can the fans do to help? What can we ever do? Turn up, buy match-day tickets and merchandise, have a pre match pint in the ground rather than the pub, and give the team our total backing for the 90+ minutes of every game. We surely all WANT promotion? On that basis we must do everything in our control to help. We can't buy players, or even select them but if we want success we must unite and give the team our unequivocal support during the games.
Other than Bristol Rovers we are the biggest club in this league and our attendance figures will be in the top 2 in the league again. We need to utilise those numbers by giving the fans reason to really get behind the team. Attacking football utilising the pace we have brought in will get the fans roaring and give huge momentum to the team.
As fans we should start every season with optimism although sometimes it proves to be misplaced. As we await kick off on Saturday 9th August we have every reason to be optimistic. I sincerely hope that that optimism is proved correct.
2014-15 is a big season. We all hope that come this time next year we are awaiting our fixture in League 2, with significantly increased season ticket sales and planning permission in place for the new stadium.
If you can't dream now you never can!