It's the first day of the season and supporters up and down the land are looking forward to 10 months of excitement, ups and downs, last minute winners, shocking penalty decisions and catching up with people at football games they've known for years but never known the names of.
I'd like to think Poppies fans fall into this category, but it's sometimes difficult to spot amongst the doom-laden, teeth gnashing emanating from KTFC chat. Conveniently forgetting that we started last season with practically a brand new team, the squad being assembled by Lee Glover has been rubbished by a lot of people who haven't actually seen them play.
Their biggest fault? That they are not Jordan Crawford. Or Alex Brown. Or any of the various Connors we had last season. Players we grew to appreciate as the season wore on, but players we didn't know from Adam this time last year. Players, let it not be forgotten, CHOSE to leave the Poppies. Sometimes for eye-watering wages at this level (looking at you Kennedy). Sometimes chasing promotion - Connor Barrett. Sometimes in pursuit of play-off heartbreak as in the case of Callum Stead. And others simply to test out a new substitute bench a'la Mr Crawford.
It's not the fault of the new players that our old faves chucked us for money, facilities and a pitch you can pass on. So Patgod puts on record today wishing the team and staff all the best for the season. There's some tough months ahead. Some strong teams and difficult places to visit. But, I fear their hardest challenge is winning over some of their own supporters who are actively lining up to be their toughest opponents.
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