Its The Final Countdown

Tommorrow (Thursday 16th June 2011) is the draw for the Carling (League) Cup first round in which City are actually seeded! this followed by net season’s fixtures being announced on this Friday (17th June 2011) and for me this marks the start of the new season and we can really begin to get forward to kick off on the Saturday 6th August. Although oddly from a personal and City point of view I will be hoping for a couple of inconsequential games maybe away to Hartlepool, away to Morecambe (cup) and away to Carlisle would suit me fine as I’m away and hopefully attending a German match or two.

It’s also worth sparing a thought for Crawley fans who will be eagerly awaiting their first ever taste of league football and more importantly AFC Wimbledon after their righteous (in a good way) rise through the non-league pyramid. I remember fondly my 22 hour round trip to Darlington on our return to the football league. There was something in the air a bit of hostility and energy that the conference just fails to replicate. At that time Darlington were probably favorites and the 600+ plus travelling city support was immense in their 20,000 all seater bowl. The boys rose to the occasion pulling off a 1-1 draw against the free-flowing quakers thanks to an equalizer by Danny Seaborne. If that wasn’t a fantastic start we were drawn away to Ellan Road and Leeds United the following season after securing back-to-back promotions. I could not do that day justice in a few sentences but: 3,000 City fans in full voice drowned out a subdued home support and city put in on of the best performances I have ever seen despite losing 2-1 to two Jermain Beckford gaols and Barry Corr getting sent off on his debut, and when the they did get off their arse to sing ‘marching on together’ it was bloody clear we were up against the big boys of football! Then of course added to that is last season  whoever set it up for us to effectively relegate Argyle with our last home game of the season probably needs sacking and definitely needs a knighthood!

The fixture list is always the first piece of the next season jigsaw as the season begins to take shape as excitement starts to take the edge of the boredom and frustration it’s just a shame we have to wait until July for any friendlies!

Ideally for me we will get some irrelevant and easy games as above but I’m really looking forward to,

1) The Sheffield Clubs both are massive and a great place (apparently to make a weekend of it)and after I opted against visiting Hillsborough last season.

2) Stevenage the return of Westley – it will give me great pleasure to see us crush them.

3) Preston North End who we have not played since 1995 and i have heard goo things about Deepdale.

4) Winning at Walsall (it really has to happen sooner or later and its such an easy trip relatively)

5) Bournemouth just because its the closest thing to a rivalry we have and no I don’t think we have any rivalry with Yeovil even if I feel like we should i just don’t care one way or the other.

6)  Winning the league don;t care or know which ground it will be at yet……..