Crewe Alexandra fans Matt and Matt gave us their thoughts on the club's upcoming League One campaign.
It was grim. Almost remorselessly grim. Yes, we stayed up but only because - incredibly - there were four teams in the league who turned out to be worse than us. Progress seemed to stall, the well of young talent looked, at least for the time being, drained, and there were few if any positives to grasp to. It was one of those seasons when, sitting in Gillingham's now 12-year-old "temporary away stand" watching the Alex collapse feebly to another away defeat, one begins to have a footballing existential crisis. So, to put it briefly - it went badly.
HAVE YOU BEEN IMPRESSED WITH THE ADDITIONS MADE DURING THE SUMMER BREAK?
Difficult to say without seeing them in competitive action for the club. The midfield needed strengthening badly in the light of some departures and Billy Bingham, brought in from Dagenham and Redbridge, comes with good reports, although we'll see if he can make the immediate step up to League Two. David Fox, from Colchester, has played at a higher level and, at 31, can be this season's wise old head (at Crewe, 31 is a veteran). Will reserve judgement on defender Ben Nugent, a long-time Cardiff reserve. Probably most looking forward to seeing Adam King, on loan from Swansea, with the caveat I'd rather see us developing our own young players.
ARE THERE ANY AREAS YOU FEEL STILL NEED STRENGTHENING?
The board? Can I say the board? If not, then a new left-back, a centre-back with a bit of experience at this level and, if we're playing fantasy football, a striker who can bring in 15-20 goals a season. But coming back to earth, just a left-back would suffice.
ARE THERE ANY FIXTURES THAT YOU'RE PARTICULARLY LOOKING FORWARD TO?
As an Alex fan exiled in London, it's slim pickings for away trips, and I've already made my view of Gillingham known. But I think a decent contingent will make the trim to Burton, 45 miles south-east of Crewe, for our first League visit. Provided we don't make too terrible a start, I suspect the intrigue at having a new, fairly local rival, might pique a bit of interest.
WHICH OPPOSITION TEAM DO YOU HAVE HIGH HOPES FOR THIS SEASON?
There’s probably four or five teams likely to be in it – Sheffield United, Wigan, Peterborough, Millwall, probably Bradford. On balance, I’ll go for Sheffield United winning the league on the basis that Nigel Adkins seems a good fit for them, and the law of averages says they have to get it right eventually.
WHICH PLAYERS AMONG YOUR SQUAD SHOULD WE BE LOOKING OUT FOR THIS TERM?
Goalkeeper Ben Garratt, and not just because I anticipate him having an awful lot to do. His injury last season, which ruled him out from February, was a massive blow and left a hole much-travelled Paul Rachubka failed to fill. Curiously, of all the youngsters to have dropped off the end of Crewe’s much vaunted “conveyor belt of talent”, we’ve never produced our own goalkeeper to have really made it, and all the signs are the 21-year-old will be the first. He’s not ready to step up quite yet, but I suspect he will, and scouts from Aston Villa and Spurs have already been to take a look at him. If he’s fit and stays, he could well be the difference. It could also be a big year for George Cooper, a midfielder who was last season's apprentice of the year.
WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU'LL END UP AT THE END OF THE SEASON?
All the bookmakers have us as favourites to finish rock-bottom, so I’ll try to be as positive as possible and say 20th. Yes, 20th. Bring it on.
And next us, the second Matt.
HOW DID YOU FEEL THE 14/15 SEASON WENT FOR YOUR TEAM?
Survival by the skin of our teeth!
HAVE YOU BEEN IMPRESSED WITH THE ADDITIONS MADE DURING THE SUMMER BREAK?
Pleased we've bought a few players rather than loan like we have done over the previous seasons. Also hoping the resigning of Ryan Colcough will make a difference to this seasons performances.
ARE THERE ANY AREAS YOU FEEL STILL NEED STRENGTHENING?
A proven league one goal scorer wouldn't go a miss.
ARE THERE ANY FIXTURES THAT YOU'RE PARTICULARLY LOOKING FORWARD TO?
A derby match on week one? yes please. Port Vale at home on the first day of the season. Plus Wigan away from a personal view due to living close by. Plus playing Coventry has been enjoyable over recent seasons.
WHICH OPPOSITION TEAM DO YOU HAVE HIGH HOPES FOR THIS SEASON?
With 8 former premier league teams in our division it's going to be a tough battle for everybody.
WHICH PLAYERS AMONG YOUR SQUAD SHOULD WE BE LOOKING OUT FOR THIS TERM?
Ben Garrett, GK, is a quality prospect. Plus if Ryan 'Coco' can put last seasons troubles bend him he could do something special this season.
WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU'LL END UP AT THE END OF THE SEASON?
Would love some form of a challenge towards the play-offs. Realistically, a season without relegation stress and worries from October onwards and a finish above Port Vale would be appreciated. Come on The Alex!
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