Signs are looking good for future

Aug 11 2007 Liverpool Daily Post

SIMILARLY to 12 months ago the new season opens with an air of optimism around Prenton Park.

While we have not seen the influx of players we did last summer, the four new arrivals have remedied the noticeable flaws that were exposed as last season wore on and all have put in encouraging performances in the pre-season friendlies.

The return of Danny Coyne has to be an improvement on the accident-prone Gavin Ward in goal while the addition of Ben Chorley and Antony Kay ensures that Ronnie Moore will have a lot more options when it comes to the back four than he did last term. Finally, Adnan Ahmed will certainly provide some steel in midfield judging from his pre-season displays, although he will have to be a lot more careful in the tackle than he was against Stoke City last Friday if he is not to see his season littered with suspensions.

Aside from the newcomers the friendlies have seen solid performances from the established players and progressive displays from the younger generation that augurs well for the future of the club. Talking of the future it’s great to see the club tie down the likes of Chris Shuker and Craig Curran to extended deals and for the first time in a few seasons you start to get the impression that a longer term view is being taken.

And so to today and yet again the fixture computer has provided a mouthwatering opener for Rovers at Prenton Park. While last year saw the manager pitted against his ex-employers in his first game in charge, this term we have drawn the plum tie of the opening match-ups with relegated Leeds United and all their excess baggage providing the opposition.

If we can carry our pre-season form into the game I see no reason why we should not start with a victory.