I always try to be optimistic at the start of a new season, but I’m really struggling this time.
I’m just not a fan of Heckingbottom. There’s something about him that doesn’t inspire any confidence. His style of play, the way he sets up the team, and even his general presence just don’t fill me with belief that we’ll do well or even be okay this season.
Recruitment has been average at best. When you look around the league and even at some League One clubs, they’ve strengthened better than we have. The players we’ve brought in so far feel like a reflection of the manager — uninspiring.
Some of the contract decisions are baffling. Why has Milly’s mate been handed a three year deal and Smith two years? I haven’t seen or heard anyone from the club give a proper explanation. Someone needs to take responsibility for the Thompson signing too. If we knew he was injured, even without knowing the extent, why go through with it? And don’t get me started on the Okkels situation last season.
Honestly, I’m not convinced we were ever serious about signing Kone or Lang. It felt more like a PR move. Make a show of bidding just to say, “Look, we’re trying,” without any real intent to get deals over the line. Deep down, it seems like the club doesn't actually want to spend.
That said, I wouldn’t want serious money spent while PH is still in charge anyway. Nothing I’ve seen suggests we’re anything but a bottom three side right now.
I do think there’ll be a change of manager at some point this season. If it comes before January, we might need to dip into funds just to stay in the league.
I really hope I’m wrong, but I haven’t felt this uneasy about a PNE season in a long time.
