If truth be told, I was very happy to see the back of last season and have a break from it all. Thankfully, England have played their part in diverting the mind even further from worrying about Rovers. Good luck to the Three Lions on Sunday!

But here we are again with less than a month to go until the season starts – with a new column as well!  I’m grateful to Elliott for giving me a new regular opportunity to express my thoughts in writing alongside the Arte et Labore podcast. 

This is usually the time in summer - or lack of - where I get itchy and can’t wait to get back to Ewood. Sadly, I’ve got to admit, I’m not quite there yet. Last season was especially difficult with how it all panned out. After coming so close to a wonderful season under JDT, the way in which things unravelled and the old demons that resurfaced really hurt.

I will say it once again – where would we be without Sammie Szmodics? With all the rumours circulating about club finances, the August court date for Venkys and seemingly no notable transfer activity, it really does underline just how important it was to stay in the division. Yes, one could argue it’s kicking the can down the road, and we’ll (rightly) start the season as favourites for relegation on current showing. But the fact we stayed in the Championship with the new EFL deal is a shred of light at least.  

John Eustace deserves enormous credit for what he did last season – not an easy job for anyone with what he inherited. Considering our situation off the pitch, he remains the right man for the job and deserves all our support. He’s also been vocal in the last week about the players “needing help” too – and he’s not wrong. At the time of writing, the squad looks light, and we know that across a gruelling Championship season, injuries and suspensions will test it to the maximum.

I’m delighted to see the return of Lewis Travis into the Rovers squad after his strange loan spell away. It was galling to see him sat on the bench at Ipswich whilst we could have done with his presence in our own crunch games. Yes, I know he can divide the fan base at times, but with potentially limited incomings, he will be like a new signing for Eustace and a player very much in his mould.

I don’t want this first column to be all doom and gloom - a new season does bring new optimism. The new home shirt is lovely and a great throwback to those glory years in the early/mid-nineties.  

I also applaud the club for their season ticket strategy this season, especially for Under 18s. Yes, adult prices could probably be cheaper, especially when you compare them to other clubs locally. But the Phase 1 prices of £56 (under 18) and £23 (Under 12), I thought was really great value from the club. Indeed, it meant I took the plunge myself again for a season ticket, even as a long-distance fan that won’t get to them all.

If my kids are anything to go by too, they aren’t aware or don’t listen to the doom and gloom I’ve discussed above. Just being able to take them to Ewood on matchdays is what it’s all about. At times last season, I won’t lie, that’s the only reason I did it – win, lose or draw their joy was infectious. To be honest, it might be that way again for me this season unless something significantly changes off the pitch.

But with the table reset at zero and 46 games in front of us, I’ll operate with the blind faith and naivety that my kids do and just hope for a better season! Fingers crossed something, somewhere changes off the pitch for the better soon.