By KJ
July 17 2004

So what are your thoughts as we prepare for our 1st friendly next week.Of course, judgement must be reserved until we see who the new signings are in a much changed squad.In fact we only have one player who started last season with us

Big Changes

Yes there is only one left from this time last season, Keeper John Danby. Of course one could still describe him as a bit of a rookie. 12 months ago, his league experience consisted of 2 sub apperances. Yes, it will be very much a new team that Harriers will have this coming season. The only surviver from Jans 1st game back at Northampton is skipper Wayne Hatswell.

In defence we may need 1 or 2 more but further up the field is where more attention is required. In Danby and new boy Lewis we should be ok and we now need maybe 1 established and 1 or 2 back up defenders. The signing of Hazell was most welcome, but he may have to move up field if no one comes in soon. At the moment we only have Dean Keates as a recognised midfield player. As good and busy a player he is, I think we need more (plus to cover for injuries !). Of course, I'm joking and I have no doubt that we should see some player movement. Some of the trial players are midfield men and of course one of them is the experienced former player, Richie Appleby. If Richie can get fit and stay free of injury, then he would be a good signing. Maybe 1 or 2 of the trialists will be good enough but I do feel we need to sign at least 1, ideally 2, proven midfield men.

As for up front, then the main target at present is jouneyman, Lee Mills. Mills is currently deciding whether to join us and I feel he would be useful. Another long standing target is the return of on loan Simon Brown(again on loan one would imagine). The JJJ loan player of the year (narrowly beating Currier in our poll you humorous lot!!!??) would certainly boost everyone. We already have Jesper Christiansen and Scott Rickards and Ian Foster is also on trial looking for his 3rd spell at the club. I would guess than Fozzie will sign, it would be nice if we get Mills, Brown plus AN Other.

Up/down/nearly up/nearly down/easily safe ?????????

Who knows what next season will bring us ? My feelings are that it will be an exiciting season, lets hope its not an "exiting" season. Whilst I feel the obvious thought is for a season of struggle, I do feel it might be hugely succesful. This is of course subject to some shrewd signings by the large Danish gentleman. With some good additions we might do a Greece and surprise everyone. Some fans were upset by some of the departures but in the cold light of day, they didnt perform well enough last season. Maybe the new ones can.

Express your views in our new poll. Again I repeat, I dont think next season will be a comfortable mid table stroll, either way.