So, that's that folks. This time next week we will have the season underway. So lets take a look at what we have, and whether its an upgrade on last season.

Roos - replaces the outgoing Loach. No competition in this one. A better comparison would be Martinez for this one. While Roos is not quite as good, he looks big, commanding and solid. Also regularly barks orders to his defence and seems comfortable receiving the ball. Collin will struggle to get between the sticks at this rate. Upgrade = Yes

Collins comes in as the experienced defender to marshall the troops. Morgan has been a solid CB for us, but a man with the C.V of Collins, he looks like a higher level version of Morgs. Improvement? On paper yes.

Thorpe comes in as the partly for now, partly for the future type player. Doesn't have masses of strength, but reads the game like a defender with a lot of experience would. Can imagine him getting roughed up a couple of times this season, but can see him being a real coup. Good signing? Absolutely!

Halford. What can I say? Fantastic signing in my opinion. Another experienced head who has been there, done that. Closest comparison to him would be Arnie, in that he will always be first name on the teamsheet in one position or the other. Improvement? Eek, im a huge arnie fan. But i will grit my teeth.... Yes, just. A really good, versatile signing.

Mattock and Buxton have been unfortunate, so don't get a write up. 2 good signings which came with a risk, being that the get injured a lot. Hopefully, this will be their last injury. We shall wait and see.

White vs Pringle. Two completely opposite players. Whites delivery is far inferior to Ben. But white offers creativity in so many different ways. At this level you dont get the space to whip a lovely ball in, you have to make this space. White can do that. The speed and ability to beat a man means he is a new danger for us, something which we have lacked. Improvement? Big boots to fill, but im expecting good things.

G Ward. Dont think he needs a write up. This lad looks class and i fear if he delivers the goods then a better team will want him in January. Never the less, im happy for him to deliver the goods. Improvement? Well he comes in on the back of Milsom leaving, so a big yes from me. Big starting 11 contender for frecks to deal with.

Manu. This lad has bags of class and enthusiasm. Can see him being frustrating but exciting. This time last year we signed Febian Brandy and Ryan Hall. Look what we have now. Well done SE, well done indeed. Big improvement.

Maguire still looks unfit but looks classy. Shows the same grit and hunger as derbyshire and offers excellent competition for places. Sadly I can't see these two working well as a front line but more than happy to be proved wrong.

Analysis - some big losses walking out of the club but I'd say we have strengthened to a man. A really, really impressive haul with the possibility of 1 or 2 more coming in. Every team in the league has spent massively and this truly will be a success story if we stay up again. But to say this squad was assembled on nothing more than pocket fluff, we have versatility and strength in depth.

Evans truly has learned a lot from the last season, and he has brought in players that can each cover 3 different positions. This will be vital when injuries stack up.

My prediction? Going to be stupidly tough this season, but I can picture this team gelling well. If it does, i have a sneaky feeling we will be a surprise package. Certainly not playoff challengers, but I can imagine us seeing ourselves into a third year in the Championship. And that will do me nicely!

-- Edited by MS_Miller on Saturday 1st of August 2015 11:15:48 PM