IF, LIKE me, you've been wishing the summer away in anticipation of the new season, your frustration is nearly over. A home game with Wolves is a good way to start, infinitely winnable and a good atmosphere guaranteed with a sizeable following expected.
It's been a funny old summer and one which I will always remember for the sale of Damien Duff. There's nothing worse than picking up the newspaper while on holiday and reading that your star player is set to be transferred to another club.
The feeling of helplessness was comparable to the drawn out sale of Shearer all those years ago and the wife and kids suffered a bit in those few days after the story broke.
I've heard a few derisory comments from fans questioning the club's ambition since the sale but I don't think you can attach any blame to the board. The release fee in his contract was obviously stipulated by Duff's advisors at the time and once it was met, the decision was out of the club's hands and the rest is history. At least it looks like the majority of the money received will be re-invested in future incoming transfers.
The story of the sale of David Dunn was different. It was obvious that he and the manager didn't see eye to eye but that's no problem as long as it doesn't affect performance on the pitch. Unfortunately I can never remember
him taking a game by the scruff of the neck and running the show in the Premiership.
We always talked of his potential and how good he could be, but to me that potential has remained largely unfulfilled. Let's also face it, if he was as good a player as we thought he was, with respect, would he have signed for Birmingham?
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So, now to the new era 2003 A.D (After Duff) and a brief look at the new signings. Emerton looks quality and the fact we beat Man United to his signature suggests he is a shrewd acquisition.
Gresko we all know about, and Reid is a young international with tons of promise and the added quality of being versatile - which brings me finally to Amoruso.
There has been a lot said about him (mostly unsupporting) but I believe he has been brought in to help Martin Taylor become 'nasty'. Souey has talked of Taylor as a future England centre half if he can add this to his game and maybe this, along with his threat from set pieces and leadership qualities, is the thinking behind this purchase.
All in all, I am cautiously optimistic for the coming season although the lack of goals in pre-season is a worry. The need for another striker is paramount and for me Vassell, Jeffers or Phillips would fit the bill, but you've got to trust the manager's judgement.
Apart from the monumental error with a certain Italian, he's done brilliantly in the transfer market. I believe that with a couple more good signings we can cement our place in the top 10 and a run in one of the cups shouldn't be beyond us.
So roll on the Wolves match, and hopefully three points. Let's hope they don't go down to ninr men because I believe teams can be very dangerous when they are that depleted!
Finally, my condolences to the family of Ray Harford. I'm sure I speak for all Rovers fans when I say that his achievements as coach and manager during the most successful period for the club in recent times will never be forgotten.
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