Johnny Cantor: An interesting start on and off the pitch

And they're off. Before the heatwave comes and the kids have had a chance to hit the beach the new football season is underway.

With the Premier League set to resume this weekend there was a fair amount of national interest in the Championship and the rest of the Football League. Despite the early start to the new campaign things have got off to an interesting start, both on and off the pitch.

The Fans’ Forum broadcast live on BBC Sussex 48 hours before the action began was well attended once again and a whole host of questions were asked – from new signings and missed targets to swear boxes and chicken pies! Thanks to all those who attended and posed questions on the night and on email.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Communication between club and fans is essential and the club should be commended for the way they have dealt with the supporters during the train strike.

Things on the pitch have started smoothly. If I’m honest, the Seagulls have started off much like they did last season looking solid in defence, potent in wide areas and just needing something extra up front. Hopefully that will come as Mr Murray gets into his stride back in the blue and white stripes.

The convincing 4-0 win over Colchester in the EFL Cup showed that promising youngsters are coming through the system, with Ben White in particular caching the eye.

The rest of August looks as busy as humanly possible with games every three or four days but the squad look capable of coping. The early fixtures showed how tough it will be, even for heavyweights Newcastle and Aston Villa.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

So, what can we expect? Maybe not the 21 game unbeaten run of last year at the outset but another challenge looks likely. The manager will be hoping for more luck with injuries but when those long-term absentees return the fans should be looking at the top of the table when they open the morning paper.

A win at home to Forest tonight and they’ll be seeing their side at the summit of the Championship and they will be hoping they will still be there come next May when the sun returns.

Follow all the action, home or away, on BBC Sussex Sport or Twitter: @BBCSussexSport or @johnnycburger

To read more by Johnny Cantor, visit www.johnnycantor.com

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage

2) Like our Facebook page

3) Follow us on Twitter

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

Always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.