IN HIS first column of the new season, Stevenage midfielder Robin Shroot gives the Comet behind-the-scenes access to the dressing room after a rollercoaster of a start to the 2013/14 Sky Bet League One campaign.
It has been an interesting opening to the season for the club, to say the least: three league defeats, an upset against Championship opposition in the Capital One Cup and a fantastic first league victory of the season away at Notts County have laid the foundations for the rest of the season.
At the time of writing, we are also preparing for our Capital One Cup tie against Everton. Another chance for us to prove just how far the club has come in recent years.
It is difficult to draw any conclusions from the first six or so weeks of any season. Teams are finding their feet, establishing a way of playing and trying to work out what does and doesn’t work for them. We are no different.
While we lost the opening three league games, I think our victories against Ipswich and Notts County displayed that we are capable of playing attacking football and winning games. It is of course a matter of maintaining these performances to ensure our rise up the league.
The quality of the league looks to have improved as well. Every game we have played so far has been against opposition that has tried to pass the ball. I think with the way clubs are financially, dipping into the loan/free transfer market is a fantastic option for clubs looking to strengthen.
Swindon for example have seven players who are either on loan or recruited permanently from Tottenham. Take a look at Wolves and you notice how many of their players are under 24, a far cry from when the club was playing in the Premier League.
It is fantastic to see managers giving young players a chance, and I believe it is vital for the game in this country.
The mood in the dressing room is very good, and stealing a win in the last minute for the second season running at Notts County has only added to that growing confidence.
We have an exciting array of games coming up as we host Bradford at home, before travelling away to Tranmere and Preston; games we need to win in order to put our mark down on the rest of the league.
We all thank you again for the unwavering faith and support you continue to show us as we try and kick on up the league. COYB!!
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