It's fair to say that only one week ago most of our supports were wondering if they could face the new season and many would have had spouses surreptitiously checking the phone number for The Samaritans. With very few players, not much in the way of hard news and with little time, things looked bleak.
No-one would argue that we have turned full circle yet, but a week on things are looking a lot brighter than they did. The arrival of Miller and Lundstram today completes a decent few days for the club, and with the prospect of at least a couple of signings on Thursday we are finally in a position where we have competition for most positions on the park.
Up front, Miller completes an eclectic group of players, many of who will have much to prove. He joins Nathan Delfouneso as a player whose "name' in the game possibly outstrips their actual achievements, but they are big, powerful players who will give us real presence up front. Their main competition for a start will probably come from `Tom Barkhuizen and Sergei Zenjov, although both Steven Davies and Bobby Grant offer further choices to the manager.
Midfield is less easy to sort out. My belief is that Lundstram and Cubero will be first choices for the holding roles, with Perkins in reserve. Cywka, Mellis and (if he signs in time) Orlandi offer more attacking options, and I would not be surprised to see at one more player for this type of role arrive very soon.
At the back is where we look thinnest at present. Lewis is undoubtedly something of a coup in goal, with many expecting Parish to arrive from Bristol City to challenge him. Tony McMahon looks like the only out and out right back in the squad at present, and Oriol and Dunne will contest the left back slot. At the moment, it looks like two from three at centre back between McKenzie, Clarke and Daniels, although, again, I would be mildly surprised if at least one more big central defender doesn't arrive in the next day or two.
So, not complete as yet, but getting there. The next key question is whether they have the quality that we need and what further new arrivals we might expect in August. With half a dozen games (at least) to squeeze in, it's going to be a hectic time for all of us. Make sure you log in with us on AVFTT to discuss all the main developments and ensure you don't miss a thing!