The Big Kick-off

Posted on Saturday, August 4th, 2012

The shadow boxing is over, like most players, coaches, managers and fans it feels different waking up today. Today the new football season starts for real. For a large number of clubs in East of Scotland it’s been a summer of significant change, the start of a new era. In our case, on the park we have lost a large number of experienced players, players who helped to deliver success. Only time (and it will take time) will tell if the new staff and players brought in this summer can reach similar heights. As a player, players such as Omar and Deano improved over a large period of time. I believe each and everyone of our new signings best years are in front of them. The average age of our new squad in comparison to years gone by is significantly lower. Patience (especially when working with younger players and managing change), faith and a great deal of work lies ahead to deliver the goals we have set for ourselves. Our senior players provide us with a great platform to build, players coveted by lots of other Clubs because of their talent and pedigree. As with every other side, especially at this time of the season, sadly we have players missing today – Cloudy, Ali MacKinnon and Willie Bremner – however, it’s part and parcel of the game. On the upside both Jack and Donal will be in the 16 today, ready to take the next step towards achieving full fitness. In addition our most recent new signing Andy Martin (ex Peebles and Vale of Leithen) will be in the squad today. Andy brings something different to the table, is a player I’ve admired for a number of years. Surrounded and swamped by so much sport these past few weeks, it’s been truly inspiring to see and follow others achieving their dreams and ambitions. It’s also the perfect reminder that in the end, it’s the journey and not the destination that really counts. I for one can’t wait to get started for real…at 2.30pm today the train leaves the station.