The fixture computer handed us a tough start to the season, with home games against Dundee United and Hibs either side of a trip to Parkhead. There was a realistic chance we could come out of that with no points, so to have four - and be a few minutes away from six – is hugely encouraging. Sure, we were gubbed by Celtic, but that was inevitable after what we did to them in March. We were also knocked out of the League Cup by Ross County – but then they did quite well against SPL sides last season.
So, four points from three games it is and if we can manage that against the likes of United and Hibs, we must look to September's three games with hope. Away trips to Kilmarnock and St. Johnstone are followed up with a home game against Inverness Caley Thistle. If Lennon is to start living up to his pre-season comments, then six points – or two wins – from those three fixtures is the least I expect.
These three teams will be with us in the bottom six this season. We have to be looking to take points from the teams that will be round about us in the table this season, and September is the perfect opportunity to do just that. But it's an important month for Danny Lennon. If he can deliver us two – or even three – wins then things will be ticking along nicely. However, just one win – or even the unthinkable prospect of no victories – would have us thinking it's just more of what we've been used to over the past few seasons.
We are capable of beating Kilmarnock. We managed it four times last season and drew the other game. They've changed a fair bit since then, but so have we. We've yet to win an away SPL game in 2010, so this is the perfect chance to put that right.
We should be capable of beating St. Johnstone. We were 2-0 up on them last season and minutes away from doing it. It was the form of the Saintees last season compared with our time in the SPL that frustrated many Saints fans. Their squad is probably better than ours, but if Lennon is serious about avoiding the relegation scrap then a point is the minimum from this one.
We should be capable of beating Caley Thistle. A home game against the newly promoted side? The fans can expect victory, but whether or not it will arrive is another matter.
Of course, I'm not for one minute expecting nine points out of nine. Kilmarnock beat Aberdeen, Caley Thistle gubbed Dundee United and St. Johnstone ran Rangers close. However, these are sides similar to ourselves and the next few games measurement of just how good we really are
Have we improved with our numerous changes, is it going to be a repeat of the last few seasons or will we be even worse? These three fixtures in September will go a long way to showing what sort of season we're in for.
Over to you Danny.