Pre-Season Diary | Episode Five
Parkway and Pre-SeasonBy Parkway Media
Well… we’re nearly there.
Just one pre-season fixture remains before the real business begins, and if there’s one thing I’ve taken from the last week, it’s this…
Who starts against Bracknell Town? For the first time in what feels like a long time, I genuinely haven’t got a clue. And that’s probably the biggest compliment I can pay Karl Curtis and his squad.
Over the past two or three seasons, you’d have been able to name nine or ten of the starting eleven without thinking too hard.
This summer? Not a chance. Every player seems to have put their hand up.
Some have strengthened their claim, others have surprised us all, and suddenly there are genuine selection headaches all over the pitch.
As supporters, that’s exactly where you want your football club to be. The two fixtures over the past week have done nothing to change that either.
More minutes in the legs. More positives. More signs that this group is beginning to understand exactly what Karl wants from them.
The players now get a well-earned weekend off before Truro City arrive at Bolitho Park for one final dress rehearsal.
And here’s another question… Does Karl play the team he expects to start against Bracknell? Or does he throw one final curveball? Either way, next Saturday suddenly feels like one of the most fascinating pre-season games we’ve had for a while.
One thing I don’t think anyone can argue with is that the mood around the football club has changed. From the moment Karl walked back through the doors at Bolitho Park, there has been a different feel about the place.
Players look like they’re enjoying their football. Supporters seem excited again. There’s a real buzz around the place. Of course, football has a habit of keeping everybody grounded.
A good pre-season doesn’t guarantee a good season. We’ve learnt that before.
The club’s first season at Step 3 under Lee Hobbs brought a very respectable 10th-place finish. If I’m honest, I’d settle for a season where we’re not spending March and April constantly looking over our shoulders and checking everyone else’s results.
Nothing is won in July. That’s why I won’t be getting carried away. What I will say is this… We all saw what happened under Duds and Peaks towards the end of last season.
We saw what Bolitho Park can become when there’s belief. When players enjoy coming here. When supporters get behind the team. Momentum is a powerful thing.
Looking at the fixture list, there are no easy afternoons. But then again, Karl summed it up perfectly a few weeks ago. You’ve got to play everyone eventually.
Every club in this league will be looking at August thinking they’re capable of having a good season. Why shouldn’t Parkway be thinking exactly the same?
The hard work is almost done. The new home and away kits have had their first outings. The squad is taking shape. There’s just one final rehearsal to come.
Then…
The lights go up.
The curtain rises.
And another Southern League Premier South season begins.
In a bit…
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