It All Comes Round Again

Doesn't time fly, eh? It hardly seems two minutes since we were stood in open mouthed horror watching Matlock, Gateshead, Kendal, Guiseley, Flixton reserves et al, tear us apart with the kind of ease not seen since the Romans decided religious pacifists and ravenous lions would be a fair fight.

And contrary to the Cassandra like proclamations you may have heard on the eve of that final game at the International Athletics Stadium by a recently departed employee of the club, we're back!

In the 112 days that have passed since we meekly surrendered our place in the Unibond Premier Division, numerous changes have left the club looking at a future that’s considerably brighter than the 'tolling death bell' that was broadcast on GMR’s Non-League spot at the end of April would have had you believe.

Manchester City, Newcastle United, Stalybridge Celtic, even that small concern known as 'Great Britain and Northern Ireland' have all undergone reorganisations at the top level during the summer and Mossley has been no exception.

For the first time in a decade there are new hands holding the reigns at Seel Park with the running of the club having been charged to a small group of supporters. And whilst it may be true that the financial security the club enjoyed over the last ten years has now gone, it's perhaps no bad thing that the club now stands on its own two feet.

Even at this relatively stage of their tenure at the club progress appears to be being made. The re-appointment of a commercial manger, the aim to forge closer links with the local community and, more importantly, exist within our means is all evidence of a solid foundation being laid for whatever may be built in the future.

One decision that has certainly moved the club forward is the appointment of Gerry Quinn. Not only do we now have a manager with a proven track record and a knowledge of the game at this level, but one who's seemingly happy to communicate with supporters without using the local media. And though you can't read a lot into an upcoming season based on the results of a few meaningless friendlies, you can't help but be impressed by the attitude and spirit already shown by the team he's assembled. It certainly makes a refreshing change from what we saw in some matches last season.

Having said all that, or rather written it, I don't think anyone is under the illusion that the road ahead won't be a rocky one, with the occasional precarious bend running alongside a precipitous drop to negotiate. It's going to take time to rebuild bridges as well as explore the new avenues that have opened up but where that road now leads is up to us. Once again it's our club and it's important that we go forward as one.

So with that out of the way all that remains is for me to say is enjoy the season. Hopefully as experiences go it will be more like the most exhilarating white knuckle ride you've ever been on rather than the ordeal of last seasons bungee jump sans bungee rope.