After missing out on the playoffs in the final few weeks of last season I was keen to ensure it wasn't a flash in the pan and really push hard for the play offs.
The emergence of three youth prospects signed over the last few years was really pleasing to see. Verhelst, Wasbourne and Davenport were sure to be in for a big season.
We made some moves in the transfer window to strengthen too.
Zouma Lefevre is a young French central midfielder who came through the ranks at Boavista.
Dion Sanderson will offer competition and cover at Right Back.
Brian Kenneally is a young Irish Goalkeeper and will more than likely be sent out on loan to gain experience.
Matt Peters, Another recruit from the Boavista Youth system will be one for the future and will offer cover on the left wing.
Rhys Williams was out of contract at Liverpool. Following his successful loan spell with us last season I was keen to make that move a permanent one.
Zidane Iqbal is a cultured central midfielder who we again signed on a free following his contract expiry at Man Utd. He will offer valuable support in the centre of the park.
We dipped into the loan market too, with winger Jack Clarke and full backs Ethan Laird and Sam McCallum joining for the season.
Danny Loader is also still with the club due to his Loan term signed last season being for 2 seasons.
There were some departures too....
The most notable departure is obviously Sam Cosgrove, who after a season in which he was the clubs top goal scorer was approached by Premier League bound Middlesbrough.
We signed Cosgrove on a free from Aberdeen and to receive £4.2 million just one season later seemed to be a deal too good to be turned down.
This money was actually used in our wage budget to sign the high profile loan signings we mentioned above.
There was no need to change the system or tactics as they suit our style of play so well. So we stuck with out 4-3-3. A holding defensive midfielder in a central three with two wide inverted winders and full backs that bomb on to support.
Game 1 - Swansea (H) 5-0
We started the Season at home and the new signings really hit the ground running. Clarke scored after 4 minutes and set us on our way to a fantastic 5-0 victory. The other goals were from Verhelst, Loader, Lyon and Jones.
Game 2 - Rotherham United (A) 1-1
Three days later and we were on the road up north. A well earned draw with Verhelst getting on the score sheet again.
Game 3 - Stoke City(H) 2-2
A strong first half put us in a fantastic position after going 2-0 up with goals from Loader and Jones. However a late fight back from Stoke saw us concede twice in the last 10 minutes to draw 2-2.
ELF Cup First Round - Coventry City (H) 0-1
Wholesale changes were made for the 1st round of the League Cup. As much as i would love to have a good cup run I think we need full focus on the League.
The second string struggled throughout, possibly due to fitness, possibly due to unfamiliarity. Either way, a defeat to League 1 Coventry was a disappointment.
Game 4 - Bristol City (A) 1-2
I reinstated the first team for the game away at Bristol City, however it not produce the response I had expected as we lost 2-1. Very poor again and I let the team know this.
Game 5 - Peterborough United (H) 3-1
The comforts of home were required after a poor run of form that saw our last win in all competitions come on the opening day. The team reacted well to my concerns over their recent performances and goals from Power, Washbourne and Clarke saw us run out comfortable winners.
Game 6 - Huddersfield Town (A) 3-4
Our performances on the road continue to be a cause for concern and a slow start here caught us cold. We were 3-0 down after 37 minutes and by half time it was 4-2. The game petered out in the second half as it finished 4-3. our goal scorers were Clarke, Loader and Verhelst.
A really mixed set of results to start the season, ranging from a spectacular start to bang average away form.
Main positives being Verhelst performances and the introduction of the loanees, especially Clarke on the right wing who has also bagged himself a few goals.
Table after 6 games is below, a good starting point but we need one of those rarely seen run of forms to fire us up the table.
Thanks for reading.
Cheers
Panda