And if you clicked on this because of the headline thinking I was going to tell you which postion I thought Stevenage would finish, then you're dafter that I am.

Going down that route will only lead to ridicule when it inevitably doesn't pan out so it isn't happening. After all, I'm an idiot, not a moron.

What I am willing to predict is that Stevenage won't be relegated and I don't think they'll make the play-offs. So anywhere between seventh and 20th if you want me to be a bit more specific...

Mind as I am prone to do from time to time, I have gone all geeky and nerdy and had a scientific look at what might happen.

Well scientific-ish anyway.

The nerd bit

Last year Steve Evans was aiming for two points per game as an average. In the end they averaged 1.85 but comfortably enough to earn promotion.

And I say comfortably enough due to the fact that the last 11 seasons in League Two, the average for promotion is 1.78.

League One is a different beast. Here 1.85 ppg over the last 11 seasons would have put them in the play-offs at best.

The lower threshold for getting into the post-season party is basically the same as League Two, 1.58, but to avoid relegation is higher at 1.08.

To rise above that isn't too much onerous though and if Boro are shooting for mid-table, then the average ppg is just 1.33, or 12 points from nine games, four wins in nine. That's do-able isn't it, especially if the solid home form from last season continues.

What it does all say is pretty much what we already know. While the top half a dozen may storm away from the pack, the rest will be fairly tightly grouped and a good run at the right time will do wonders.

The bookies' view

They don't often get things too wrong so I've had a look at a comparison website. This is what they are predicting at the start of the season.

Longest odds for the League One title 2023-2024 (via Oddschecker)

9-2. Derby County
15-2. Bolton Wanderers
10. Portsmouth
12. Barnsley, Peterborough United
16. Blackpool, Charlton Athletic, Reading
20. Oxford United
25. Wycombe Wanderers
40. Bristol Rovers, Lincoln City
66. Burton Albion, Leyton Orient, Port Vale, Wigan Athletic
80. Shrewsbury Town
100. Fleetwood Town
140. Exeter City, Stevenage
200. Northampton Town
250. Carlisle United
300. Cheltenham Town
375. Cambridge United

Prices correct as of August 3, 10.43am.

Note: The lowest price for Stevenage to win the title is 40-1. Most bookies have them at 66-1.

Longest odds for relegation from League One 2023-2024 (via Oddschecker)

11-8. Fleetwood Town
6-4. Cheltenham Town
13-8. Carlisle United
2. Northampton Town
9-4. Wigan Athletic, Cambridge United
11-4. Stevenage, Reading
3 bar
Prices correct as of August 3, 10.41am.

Note: Wigan are down there because of the eight points deducted, the bookies keeping all the bases covered. Reading are down there due to threat of points being deducted.

Thoughts

Steve Evans called today football's Christmas Eve, the most exciting day of the year where you drool over all of the nice gifts you think are coming your way.

What usually happens next is you concede in the first five minutes of the first game and reality comes howling through your dreams like an icy banshee.

Boro have assembled a decent looking squad on paper though. It has the experience of this level alongside some youngsters out to prove a point.

You also know that the boss won't accept anyone not pulling their weight and ultimately, that's always my dream at the start of a new campaign. I can't abide anyone who looks like they are not trying.

I expect 100 per cent effort every game, even if your output isn't pretty.

Here's to you all getting your football wishes this season.