It’s that time of year again. The dust has settled, the cobwebs have blown away and the slate is wiped clean. Optimism rears it’s head followed closely by hope and intrigue.

Of course, we all felt the same this time last year. Harry Redknapp sold us a dream. For a number of reasons, it didn’t pan out how we all anticipated it would.

From Harry to Garry, via Steve.

I won’t use this space to tread over old ground – we’ve been there and done that. We all have our own views on why it all went pear shaped and we’ve all pointed the finger of blame. Instead, let’s look ahead to what should be an interesting summer.

In Garry Monk, Blues seem to have an astute manager on their books. He was loved in South Wales and Leeds fans, although some will deny it, adored him.

Admittedly, his time at Middlesboro didn’t bring the success he craved but one could argue that time was also at a premium. What can a manager possibly achieve in just a few months? Irrespective of the personal opinions of hardy Teesiders, Monk’s points ratio wasn’t dissimilar to that of Tony Pulis’. They’ll be pitting their wits in the same division next season.

Monk was a breath of fresh air in the dugout from the moment he took over in March. He stuck to basics and squeezed every last ounce of energy out of the team. That is a good sign ahead of another gruelling campaign.

The uncertainty of Financial Fair Play remains a burden on the purse strings – the club are still waiting to learn to what extent, if any, they failed to adhere to the farcical FFP regulations. But reports suggest that, with several Championship clubs rowing from the same boat, any punishment is likely to be a more lenient one.

The confusion doesn’t appear to have stopped business being conducted at St. Andrew’s, however.

Monk and his staff have been working hard in an attempt to remould the squad. Fresh blood has been sought out and a handful of the current crop have been told they are surplus to requirements.

There’s no such thing as a quiet summer in B9 so sit down, buckle up and enjoy the ride.

Until next time, Keep Right On.

Rob Wildey
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