Were unlucky to have drawn the best team in the league for the first game, but theres a huge positive aswell. If we get a win, the boys confidence will be sky high and I can see us going on a nice run straight from the off. If we lose, I dont think itll affect them too much, they arent expected to get anything. I think with a good crowd and a good atmosphere we can really spur these boys on.
A defeat in this opener does not compromise how our season will go. I think Fulham will be one of the toughest sides in this division. They have Mitrovich and Crainey signed up to new contracts, plus Knockhaert about to come in. We have a defence that had not met each other four weeks ago. There was two divisions between us in May. Fulham are 23/20 with Boylesports. Delighted if we can do them. In profit if it's the other way around.
Could well be like the 1999-00 season where we have a lot of high scoring games and few clean sheets. The front six I don't doubt that they will get us plenty of goals with our attacking style. Our back five though it's not ideal losing three key players in the same window, to be replaced by very little experience at a tough level. We are going to have to be patient and hope they gel quickly.
I'd rather play them first up. It often takes relegated teams a few games to start firing and we might catch them cold. Don't get me wrong, I'd take a draw now if offered but I'm cautiously optimistic
Remember they've been relegated having got used to losing in the Premiership. Personally I think this us a good time to play them as they're not yet on a winning streak.
I’ll be happy with a win. And OK with a draw Performance is also important. A narrow defeat with us playing well would be unfortunate but I would live with it. Ripped apart and a 0-4 or worse defeat would be depressing