Last year we had a really good pre-season.

I really, really hope that this year we can repeat that.
So many people say that pre-season results don't matter but I believe they do. Last year's results were maintained once the season began, the confidence gained through success kept going and we got the success we deserved.
I'd love another great pre-season as it surely sets a pattern and a trend of what's to come. To see new players gelling and playing well in pre-season gives me far more hope than watching them floundering around looking lost and useless.
I'm so sorry that the defence has been decimated but I'm prepared to see what happens in the next four weeks to see if my fears are to be realised.