People who weren't there are probably wondering how a 3-2 scoreline can be dire. I want to know how they avoided this terrible game. Both Saints' goals came from penalties, Ricky Gillies netting each time. There was the odd display of brilliance from each team but if someone had told me Norwich would be 30 minutes or so from the Premiership at the end of the season I'd have them comitted. Norwich, on the basis of that game, could probably have been beaten by most of the Scottish first division, so the fact they managed to take Birmingham to penalties in the play off final is amazing.
Norwich have a new signing with a class name. Paul Heckingbottom (what a great surname) was at Darlington last season but had previously been at Sunderland. Add to that Phil Mulryne and Alex Notman, both ex Man United, and ex SPL players Gary Holt (Kilmarnock) and Marc Libbra (Hibs) and you'll see why they did so well in division 1 last season. Obviously they got the finger out after playing us. Despite being on trial last summer, libbra never played at Love Street so it will be interesting to see how good he is.
For Saints, Junior Mendes and Mark Yardley are doubtful. Yards will almost definitely be out, while Junior might make the bench. With Steven McGarry signing for Caley soon that leaves just Brian McGinty up front. Hmmm. Ricky Gillies or Simon Lappin up alongside him perhaps? Or do we have a new striker lined up and just waiting to be announced. Rumours suggest we might sign Martin Cameron which could be true, as he has worked with boss Tom Hendrie before at Alloa. Sergei Baltacha is also doubtful (hooray!) as is Jamie McGowan. It should see debuts for Greig Denham, Andy Dow and Kirk Broadfoot, and also current trialist Brian Launders. With a fair number of injury problems, players such as Lappin, Graham Guy and David Lowing will more than likely get a chance at some stage. The game will also be used to assess a possible captain for the new season.
Ahead of tomorrows game I have just one request. Please be better than last years!