Think it's more than just the virus. I really, really want to be positive about our chances, but if I'm honest, in over two decades supporting the club I think this is the most downbeat I've ever felt going into the opening day of a league season. League One looks like a strong league this year, and we're going into our first game leaning on players who couldn't hold down a place in our League Two team.
Not even played a game yet but tomorrow already has the feel of a relegation six pointer.
It's funny, but I kind of feel the opposite.
For the majority of last season I didn't expect us to get in the play-offs. I then had very little expectation of us getting to Wembley (obviously especially after the first leg). Despite our awesome second-leg comeback, I didn't necessarily expect us to beat Exeter, let alone thrash them 4-0.
For me this season is almost an unexpected bonus. I have no real expectations other than an obvious desire for us to stay in the division. In some ways the pressure is off us because no one will expect us to be a threat. We've already sprung a minor upset by knocking Cardiff out and I suspect it won't be the last one we see this year. Curle has defied expectations at every turn and has generally improved the mostly-unheralded players he has worked with (Goode, Oliver, Hoskins etc).
We have no real idea how unknown quantities like Ashley-Seal, Korboa or Racic will perform. I think the best thing to do is to sit back and enjoy the ride. If we're in deep relegation trouble by Christmas (or even if we lose today) I'll probably be the first to pitch in and put in some constructive criticism but until then I'm going to try and enjoy it and look at it as an interesting adventure, even if we start with a defeat against the Dons today.
UTC