A new season and the unknown beckons. Optimism is there, but expectations are kept reigned in until we see how it all unfolds. On paper, it is looking far healthier than this time last season when my own predictions were highly negative. The formation and winning style against Bury was outstanding, but the opposition were poor. Europe is also an unknown. A nation of 4million knocked England out last night. Macedonia is only 2 million, less than the Central belt of Scotland, but they have Yugoslavia in their footballing blood, and therefore will be more technically efficient than a pub team from Luxembourg, so we must not underestimate such teams.
Modric was quoted as saying after the game last night that part of their motivation was to ram it against the English press who anticipated a walk-over. We should not fall into the same trap. Our team will need to gel on and off the pitch if we are to succeed this year. The Europa League will be a great litmus test. It could be 6-0 or 1-1. Tomorrow, we will have a better understanding of what is in store for us. On ye go, Stevie and show the way. We deserve it.