When you have the backing financial backing that Wrexham and Stockport have, then I too think top 2 is very, very unlikely. Wrexham have taken all the headlines, and adding Marque signing Paul Mullin, meant Harry Lennon, who isn't an insignificant signing at NL level, never got a mention outside the websites of Wrexham and ourselves. Meanwhile, Stockport's front 2 pairing of Madden and Scott Quigley costing a reputed combined fee of £400k, reference for that is the N-L paper, that shows you the level of intent we are up against. Meanwhile, apart from Murphy, our signings have hardly raised the bar in comparison and with our history of financial mis management, it's no wonder people on here are getting nervous.
There are very confident noises coming out of clubs like Torquay, Notts County and even Dagenham, who, if they steer clear of injuries, look like being play off contenders. This league is going to be tough, make no bones about it and anyone thinking it is going to be a cakewalk, then you need to take a reality check right now.
It looks like once again we will need to steer clear of injuries to have a good run, but I have lots of mates who support the likes of Dagenham, Maidenhead, Dover and our first opponents, Kings Lynn. They all say one thing in common, whilst they are looking forward to playing us and coming to the Hall for a league match, pushovers they won't be and if we turn up with a bunch of ageing show ponies, then we are in for a big shock. Also, so far, none of the signings we have made, or the team we came down with frighten them on paper. As an outsiders view, our strongest tool for this season is seen as PB as he is still admired for his achievements in the game and viewed as a motivator.
For the reasons above I am far from totalling up the chickens in my mates freeholding and I am awaiting a couple more much needed signings, because this is going to be tough and any words of encouragement, patience or intent that Ron Martin may come out with only make me more nervous with his track record at the helm.
I want the season to start, but for us to hit the ground running and at the moment, hesitation, stagnation in squad development, news of yet another signing suffering an injury before he even kicks a ball for us is not filling me with confidence.
Hopefully, these feelings will change in the next week to ten days, but after the last three seasons......I ain't holding my breath!