COLUMNIST KEN BUCKLEY

From my seat

Rumour mills are in full swing and fans scour every avenue for clues as to who is going where and are we getting any in. Personally, I ignore all rumours but I still see this period of time as a defining part of our new season as well as an indicator of our progression and ambition both on and off the field, bearing in mind monies will be earmarked for the run in to a new stadium!?

By finishing 6th, giving us an extra competition (Uefa Cup) to play in, which delighted the manager in terms of the teams effort over 38 games, he did however state that he thought we were short on numbers ? which in itself will be detrimental taking into account the extra competition and the ambition to improve on 6th place. In my book it will be the season definer by how well he addresses this shortfall via the transfer window. I suspect that things have been in place for some time,things like:-

He has identified the type of players he wants, he knows his budget, he has put names to the players he is targeting and already has agents looking at availability, personal terms expected and if a transfer fee is involved, what is it and what is the likely opposition if it comes to a bidding war or if a target is a Bosman again what is the opposition in terms of wages offered.

The manager will need to be mindful when bringing in players that they compliment rather than disrupt what he already has built and indeed has faith in. Not an easy task by any standard but it is an area where a manager earns his corn and enhances his reputation,or not. The board will need to back his judgement in the best fiscal terms but if persuaded on a certain player,who may be his major signing,they will need to push that envelope that bit further.

Success in this area will not only define what sort of season the team may have but also whats down for us the fans, as well as leading debate amongst pundit and fan alike as the season unfolds.

The 'Silly Season,' as it is universally called, perhaps should be taken with a large pich of salt and all rumours ignored until players appear waving the shirt on the back page of both Post and Echo. I will keep an avid watch on those pages during my summer break because as the players are announced it will give me best indication of what I can realistically expect for my outlay and what I can expect from the team in terms of performance in all competitions entered.

To that end I wish the manager and board the wisdom of Soloman and a little bit of luck to go with it. Get it right and we will be on our way, I don't want to think about getting it wrong! Rome wasn't built in a day but we should be well past the foundation stage now.

UP THE BLUES!

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