Back with a buzz for new campaign

Jordan Slew (left) impressed against Sheffield Wednesday.

Forward thinking: Robbie Simpson writes for Chron Sport
THE SPECIAL feeling of optimism and excitement when on the verge of a new season has been absent for the last couple of years.

At this time 12 months ago, I was training with Huddersfield Town but knew that no matter what I did, I was not going to end up anywhere near the first team.

The previous year I landed at Brentford on the afternoon before their first game of the campaign. There was no time to settle in: I just had to adjust quickly and get stuck in.

At the moment, though, I feel the most settled at a club I have been in a long time. I feel sharp and hope to show that on the field.

I didn't manage a goal or assist in Monday's game, but it was at least half of a good team performance.

Three major incidents went a long way to determining the Sheffield result.

First, Lee Croft had a chance at the far post which brought a great save from goalkeeper Chris Kirkland.

Then we conceded that poor first goal to Wednesday, which came about via the sort of mistakes we want to eradicate.

And finally, we had another chance with James Wesolowski, who forced Kirkland into another excellent stop to prevent us moving 3-1 ahead.

Those moments had a major bearing on the game — as much as the way Sheffield took hold of the contest after half-time. Wednesday were promoted for a reason last term. The key then — and on Monday — was the quality of wingers Michail Antonio and Jermaine Johnson. No club in League One right now has a wide pair that can match them.

As much as we need to heed the lessons, it is important that we take heart from the fact that they felt the need to change the way that they played to beat us...


I HAVE had a few different strike partners during this pre-season programme, with triallist Rui Miguel, Dan Taylor and Matt Smith all up alongside me at various points.
I got on particularly well with Miguel and we chopped and changed position between ourselves.

Jordan Slew, who made his debut in Monday's game, operates in an entirely different way.

He has the pace and power to trouble centre-halves, which is brilliant for my game.

When the opposition retreats, afraid of Jordan's skill at getting behind them, it leaves me the space to move into the hole and link the play.

Other than training, it was the first time we had played together and it went well. I am sure the link will improve the more time we spend together on the pitch.

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