New season, no hope?
The return of football should usually be a time for optimism and excitement, a fresh start, new signings and a genuine belief that anything could be possible.
Sadly, for Newcastle United fans, that really has not been the case for a number of years now.
When I was young, I would spend much of pre-season constantly checking teletext for transfer news.
Back then, Newcastle United were in the market for some of the best players in the game. I still remember the excitement when Patrick Kluivert, Michael Owen and Damien Duff arrived in consecutive summers. Not that many years before that, we had broken the world transfer record to sign Alan Shearer.
Not all of these transfers worked out of course but there was a feeling that the club was genuinely trying to compete.
Those days are long gone.
While the permanent signing of Joe Willock is welcome, our current squad is more or less the same as the one that finished last season.
Steve Bruce is still the Newcastle United manager and appears to have the owner’s unconditional support. I suspect this has more to do with his willingness to toe the line rather than his ability as a football manager. Meanwhile, a takeover looks further away than ever
So what is there to look forward to this season?
On the pitch, honestly, not much. Our aim this season will, once again, be to stay up.
Many supporters are just looking forward to being at the match again after such a long period away.
I will not be at the match today due to covid anxiety but I am looking forward to returning in the near future. Being back at St James Park again after such a long period away is going to be extra special. Covid makes you appreciate the small things even more.
Hearing “Local Hero” as the teams come out, making your way through crowds in The Strawberry while trying to balance and deliver multiple pints to your mates, that moment of pure joy when you and 3,000 other traveling fans celebrate a last minute winner away from home.
Our club is a mess at the moment, but despite everything, I am actually looking forward to this season.
You can follow Kieran on Twitter @KJR90
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