{"id":1480,"date":"2017-08-07T10:00:33","date_gmt":"2017-08-07T10:00:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/band-goals-already-heards-20172018-football\/"},"modified":"2018-06-13T23:22:02","modified_gmt":"2018-06-13T22:22:02","slug":"band-goals-already-heards-20172018-football","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/band-goals-already-heards-20172018-football\/","title":{"rendered":"Band Goals! – Already Heard\u2019s 2017\/2018 Football Season Preview"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\"<\/figure>\n

Although the festival season is still going strong, for some of us, another season is just getting started. In other words; Football is back!<\/p>\n

There\u2019s more to football beyond the inflated transfer fees and wages. For many, it\u2019s about passion and dedication. With a new season starting comes new players, new managers, new expectations and more.<\/p>\n

Already Heard<\/b> decided to ask a few football-loving bands and industry insiders about their beloved club and their expectations for the forthcoming season.<\/p>\n

You can join Already Heard<\/b>\u2019s Fantasy Premier League by using the code: 813528-195715<\/b>. Head fantasy.premierleague.com<\/a> to join.<\/i><\/p>\n

\"\" Connor Fathers (Decade)<\/h2>\n

What team do you support:<\/b> Manchester United
\nWhy do you support that team?<\/b> 1999, the year of the treble. I was 7. My brother sat me down in front of the Champions League Final and that was that, United \u2019til I die.
\nWhich new signing are you looking forward to and why?<\/b> It\u2019s gotta be Lukaku really. Very excited to see how he pairs up with Rashford.
\nExpectations for the new season?<\/b> I think we can expect to see a fair few unbeaten stretches, Mourinho likes his 1-0\u2019s and 0-0\u2019s. I think United will do better in Europe than they will in the domestic league. But I still think they\u2019ll finish 3rd or higher. Bet you a tenner.
\nPrediction for this season?<\/b> Premier League winners in my mind will be either City, Chelsea to retain the title, or United. Can\u2019t see Spurs, Liverpool or Arsenal threatening any more so than they did last season.
\nFavourite chant\/song (and why)?<\/b> \u201cYou fat bastard\u201d obviously.<\/p>\n

\"\" Benji Inkley (Fizzy Blood)<\/h2>\n

What team do you support:<\/b> Liverpool
\nWhy do you support that team?<\/b> I\u2019m from Lincoln originally but my heart has been a resident on Merseyside for too long for me to be able to say to people that I support my local team.
\nI lived in Liverpool from 2012 – 2015 and going to Anfield for the first time was incredible. Singing \u2018You\u2019ll Never Walk Alone\u2019 I welled up a little bit, knowing that for the majority of my life I\u2019d been looking forward to this moment. I\u2019d wanted to go and watch Liverpool play for years, but lived on the opposite side of the country and was skint.
\nWhat you\u2019re best known for?<\/b> 5 EUROPEAN CUPS BABY! It\u2019s been over 10 years since the last one but things are beginning to look up. It\u2019s an exciting time to be a Red right now.
\nYour star player?<\/b> Philippe Coutinho. He\u2019s a magician.
\nWhich new signing are you looking forward to and why?<\/b> I would love to see Virgil Van Dyke alongside Joel Matip. I hope we can nab him from Southampton.
\nExpectations for the new season?<\/b> We have a decent team. We just need depth. James Milner at left back for an entire season doesn\u2019t scream strength in depth. He did a good job however so I\u2019m not knocking him. If we can get a class centre back and a couple more decent players in the advanced positions I think this season will be very positive. Fingers tightly crossed for a favourable draw in the Champions League Qualifying rounds.
\nPrediction for this season? <\/b> I honestly have no idea about the winners. I thought Man Utd might bring it back last year but I was wrong. Spurs will be back up there again and I\u2019m gonna go bold and say that if Harry Kane has a better start to this season than he did last time. They could go on and win it.
\nFinishing position:<\/b> If we make some good transfers and get that strength in depth again I don\u2019t see any reason as to why we can finish top four again. Although I think the league title is still a little too far out of reach\u2026 unfortunately.
\nFavourite chant\/song? <\/b> You\u2019ll Never Walk Alone. Simply because of the emotion it makes me feel every time I hear it. It embodies everything I love about the atmosphere of a football match.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"\" Jack Murphy (Youth Killed It)<\/h2>\n

What team do you support:<\/b> West Ham United
\nWhy do you support that team?<\/b> Family. My family originate from East London and there isn\u2019t any other team like us.
\nWhat you\u2019re best known for?<\/b> Comedy and Bubbles! We see the comedic side in everything and even though we know we won\u2019t win anything we always turn up through thick and thin. West Ham United are a family, it\u2019s hard to explain if you\u2019re not one of us.
\nYour star player?<\/b> Manuel Lanzini, he\u2019s just the gift that keeps on giving.
\nWhich new signing are you looking forward to and why?<\/b> Javier Hernandez (Chicharito) as the last time we signed a decent striker was Carlos Tevez, and he turned out to be a bit special didn\u2019t he?
\nExpectations for the new season?<\/b> I personally think we will be top 7 this season, with the moves the board has made and the dreaded new stadium syndrome calming down, we are ready to continue building on from the 15\/16 season.
\nPrediction for this season? <\/b> The winners this year will be Chelsea again. They have the best manager and know how to beat the smaller teams. I think top 4 will be Chelsea, City, United, Arsenal. Tottenham will miss out due to playing their home games at Wembley, people often don\u2019t realise how hard it is to play 38 games away from home.<\/p>\n

Finishing position:<\/b> Lucky number 7!
\nFavourite chant\/song? <\/b> It has to be this classic for Bobby Zamora. When he\u2019s playing well; \u201cWhen the ball leaves the floor hits the back of the net It\u2019s Zamora!\u201d<\/i> When he was off his game; \u201cWhen the ball leaves the floor hits the back of row Z It\u2019s Zamora!\u201d<\/i><\/p>\n

\"\" Jamie Collison (The Winter Passing)<\/h2>\n

What team do you support:<\/b> Manchester United
\nWhy do you support that team?<\/b> My dad supports United so it was just forced upon me as a child. Growing up in Ireland in the 60s\/70s and seeing all of Ireland\u2019s best players leave to join teams in England, many Irish people began to follow the English League. Football was frowned upon in schools in Ireland, so anyone who was talented enough was shipped over to England to play. With the best players leaving the country, the Irish Leagues never thrived and are still semi-professional to this day. For this reason, Ireland has a huge support for Man United, Liverpool, Leeds and Arsenal.
\nWhat you\u2019re best known for?<\/b> Twenty times Champions of England and being the most hated club in the world.
\nYour star player?<\/b> Paul Pogba. I feel like he has been judged on the price tag but with the huge inflation in the transfer market again this year it\u2019s starting to look like these kind of fees will be the norm. With all eyes on Romelu Lukaku this year, I feel Pogba can take it up another notch this season.
\nWhich new signing are you looking forward to and why?<\/b> I guess I\u2019m most excited to see how Lukaku does. With Zlatan being so amazing last year, it adds a little more pressure but I think he knows how to do in the league and hopefully we can turn some of those painful draws into wins this year.
\nExpectations for the new season?<\/b> Hopefully we can challenge for the league this year. It\u2019s the big one really. It\u2019s going to be so hard to win with all the teams buying big right across the league. Hopefully some big nights in Europe too. Who knows, maybe we\u2019ll stumble our way into another European final?
\nPrediction for this season? <\/b> United in the top 4 somewhere, hopefully 1st with another cup and quarter finals of the Champions League.
\nFinishing position:<\/b> \u00bd United or City (what I thought last year too)
\n3 Chelsea (Champions League distraction)
\n4 Arsenal (Returned to it\u2019s rightful owner)
\n5 Liverpool (Don\u2019t care)
\n6 Spurs (Wembley)
\nFavourite chant\/song? <\/b> 12 Days of Cantona – \u201cFIVE CAAAANTONAS!\u201d<\/i>. He\u2019s my all time favourite player. I get goosebumps every time this makes it\u2019s way into the setlist every December. Find me annoying the shit out of everyone with it over the Christmas.<\/p>\n

\"\" Conor Dawson (Kamikaze Girls)<\/h2>\n

What team do you support:<\/b> Guiseley A.F.C \/ Leeds United
\nWhy do you support that team?<\/b> I\u2019ve supported Leeds since I was about 6. My next door neighbour asked me what team I supported and, not coming from a family of football fans, I replied England – this must have just been after the Euro \u201996 season. My next door neighbor, who was two years older than me, replied with \u201cThat\u2019s not a club, why don\u2019t you support Leeds\u201d and ever since then I\u2019ve been a Leeds fan.<\/p>\n

Having lived in Guiseley my entire life, and not having a family that were into football, it was loads easier for me and my friends to walk the 5 minutes from our house to Nethermoor and watch Guiseley play, than it was trying to convince our parents to let us go to Elland Road. I\u2019ve been home and away with Guiseley for about 8 years now, including two play-off finals and seeing us rise to the National League Premier. It\u2019s a lot cheaper and a more enjoyable experience going to see lower non-league team than it is paying \u00a330+ to watch Leeds.<\/p>\n

What you\u2019re best known for?<\/b> Guiseley are a pretty obscure football hipster choice on Football Manager apparently. I think that\u2019s because we are batting well above our weight at National League level \u2013 that, and we never have any money on Football Manager, so you can take us from the lowest league to Champions League glory, and it\u2019s meant to be one of the hardest teams to do it with.<\/p>\n

Leeds are one of the biggest teams in the country. We still have the nickname of ‘Dirty Leeds\u2019<\/i> hanging over us from the \u201860s, but that\u2019s because we were one of the best teams in Europe at the time. More recently, we are probably known for being really good in the early \u201800s, and then \u201cDoing a Leeds\u201d as its now called, a spectacular fall from the Premier League to the darkest depths of League 1 and a -15 point start to our season. We have recently clawed our way back to the Championship but are struggling to make any sort of impact on what is a really strong league.
\nYour star player?<\/b> Everyone\u2019s favourite Swedish Defender Pontus Jansson – he was one of our best players last season and I\u2019m really glad we\u2019ve managed to keep him at the club for another season.<\/p>\n

Guiseley-wise, we\u2019re probably looking at John Rooney, purely because he is Wayne Rooney\u2019s brother.
\nWhich new signing are you looking forward to and why?<\/b> I\u2019m really looking forward to seeing the new goalkeeper Felix Weidwald, who we signed from Werder Bremen.<\/p>\n

For Guiseley, we\u2019ve signed Kayode Odejayi, who seems to have been around a lot of lower football league teams, as well as been at Tranmere and stuff so fingers crossed, he should net a few for us.
\nExpectations for the new season?<\/b> Leeds – I\u2019m really hoping we can push on from last season, where we missed out on a play off place by a few points and ended up 7th after been in the play offs for most of the season. We\u2019ve lost Garry Monk and defender Charlie Taylor has gone to Burnley. We\u2019ve managed to keep most of the squad, as well as adding some really good players, so I am quietly confident we could make a push for the play offs. The only thing that is worrying me is that our manager is very inexperienced in English football, only managing in Cyprus before. Hopefully this year will be the year where we can finally get back to where Leeds belong.<\/p>\n

Guiseley – Apparently the board are looking at the prospect of being a Football League club in a couple of seasons, but I personally think we are still very far off that. Being one of the only part time clubs in the league, it does make things very difficult when you are coming up against the bigger teams, like Tranmere and Leyton Orient. I would take a nice relaxing mid-table finish this year for once.<\/p>\n

Finishing position:<\/b> Leeds to finish in the playoffs, and Guiseley probably 16th\/17th.
\nFavourite chant\/song? <\/b>Leeds – I\u2019ve got to go with the classics, you can\u2019t beat a \u201cWe are Leeds.\u201d chant just after we\u2019ve scored.<\/p>\n

Guiseley – I actually came up with one, so it\u2019s got to be my favourite. It\u2019s to that memorable old tune \u201cShe\u2019ll be coming round the mountains when she comes.\u201d and the lyrics are:<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was May 2015,
\nAnd we were 2-0 down to Chorley,
\nThen Boyes scored the first
\nDicko scored the second,
\nBoshel scored the third to take us up.
\nGUISELEY.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\" Graeme and Daniel Ross (Gallery Circus)<\/h2>\n

What team do you support:<\/b> Newcastle United
\nWhy do you support that team?<\/b> We\u2019re the most consistent team in the Premiership, and most importantly, we ain\u2019t Mackems!
\nWhat you\u2019re best known for?<\/b> Fans battering horses and a little bit of tax fraud on the side.
\nExpectations for the new season?<\/b> An unquestionably strong pie game, below average burgers and a mid-table finish.
\nPrediction for this season? <\/b> The number of pay day loans in our glorious Newcastle is going to exponentially increase during the season.
\nFavourite chant\/song? <\/b> You put your left leg in, your left leg out, in-out in-out, shake it all about.
\nYou do the Ameobi and you turn around, that\u2019s what it\u2019s all about!
\nOoohhh Shola Ameobi!
\nOoohhh Shola Ameobi!
\nOoohhh Shola Ameobi!
\nKnees bend, arms stretch, goal goal, goal!<\/p>\n

He\u2019s the hero Newcastle deserves, but not the one we need right now\u2026<\/p>\n

\"\" Luke Gould (Faux)<\/h2>\n

What team do you support:<\/b> West Ham United
\nWhy do you support that team?<\/b> Because my mum\u2019s side of the family are all Hammers and Paolo Di Canio is a legend!
\nWhat you\u2019re best known for?<\/b> I\u2019d say We\u2019re best known for Bobby Moore, winning the World Cup and our chant ‘I\u2019m Forever Blowing Bubbles\u2019<\/i>.
\nYour star player?<\/b> Mark Noble. He deserves a knighthood and more England caps, he\u2019s been robbed of both so far in his career.
\nWhich new signing are you looking forward to and why?<\/b> Javier Hernandez. It\u2019s about time we got a goal scorer that\u2019s not made of glass.
\nExpectations for the new season?<\/b> I\u2019d like to say top 8 finish, based on our signings so far, but I\u2019d take a top half finish.
\nPrediction for this season? <\/b> If I was to bet on it, I\u2019d say we\u2019ll finish 9th. But as far as league winners go, as much as I hate to say it, I can\u2019t see anyone taking it from Chelsea.
\nFavourite chant\/song? <\/b> It should be ‘I\u2019m Forever Blowing Bubbles\u2019<\/i> but for me it\u2019s Spandau Ballet\u2019s ‘Gold\u2019<\/i> replaced with Charlton Cole because Spandau Ballet are my favourite band ever and Carlton Cole is a ex-West Ham legend. \u201cCarl-ton Cole! Oh always believe in your soul.\u201d<\/i><\/p>\n

\"\" Ben Ville (InVisions)<\/h2>\n

What team do you support:<\/b> Liverpool
\nWhy do you support that team?<\/b> It\u2019s where most of my family were\/are brought up so I have scouse running in my blood!
\nWhat you\u2019re best known for?<\/b> I\u2019d say Liverpool are best known for their extensive history in European competitions. Even though I wasn\u2019t around to soak up the glory days of the 80s, I was proud to witness the famous comeback in 2005. Not only one of the club\u2019s most famous moments but also one of the most dramatic in football history.
\nYour star player?<\/b> Philippe Coutinho
\nWhich new signing are you looking forward to and why?<\/b> The signing I\u2019m most excited about is Mohamed Salah. In pre-season he shows some immense pace and talent, I think he\u2019s definitely one to keep an eye on!
\nExpectations for the new season?<\/b> I expect the usual from Liverpool, they always seem to get our hopes up and then it just flops!
\nPrediction for this season? <\/b> I think it\u2019s going to be a very interesting season with other clubs signings.
\nFinishing position:<\/b> I\u2019m hoping we will finish in the top 4.
\nFavourite chant\/song? <\/b> It\u2019s a no brainer. ‘You\u2019ll Never Walk Alone\u2019<\/i> not only is it the best song in football, it\u2019s close to my families\u2019 heart due to being played at my Grandads funeral. It\u2019ll always be my favorite song.<\/p>\n

\"\" Jack Rogers (Already Heard Writer)<\/h2>\n

What team do you support:<\/b> Lincoln City
\nWhy do you support that team?<\/b> My dad supported them and introduced me to them when I was younger. He waited untill I was old enough to appreciate football properly and I was hooked instantly.
\nWhat you\u2019re best known for?<\/b> Graham Taylor\u2019s winning 1978 team, Making the play-offs so many times without actually getting promoted.
\nYour star player?<\/b> Alex Woodyard \u2013 the full package. Commanding, skilful, confident and destined for bigger things.
\nWhich new signing are you looking forward to and why?<\/b> Michael Bostwick \u2013 Already scored an outrageous overhead kick in pre-season and looks like he is going just get better and better with each passing game.
\nExpectations for the new season?<\/b> I want to say play-offs but would be happy with mid-table. I\u2019m just happy to be back in the league to be honest
\nPrediction for this season? <\/b> I reckon Luton will smash it in League 2 this season and their fans to be utterly insufferable. I reckon Liverpool may do alright and probably bugger it up in the Prem. Chelsea could run away with it again.
\nFinishing position:<\/b> 5th
\nFavourite chant\/song? <\/b> \u201cNathan Arnold was a cod, Lincoln City gave him the nod, here he is in the red and white, Grimsby Town are fucking shite\u201d<\/i> \u2013 because Grimsby can bugger off.<\/p>\n

\"\" Marty Ryan (Anna\u2019s Anchor)<\/h2>\n

What team do you support:<\/b> Newcastle United
\nWhy do you support that team?<\/b> It\u2019s a funny one, when I was really young, I just supported Man United like every other kid in Ireland. My dad didn\u2019t have a team or anything, so I guess I just followed everyone else and to be honest, by the time I was like 12, it was pretty boring. They just won all the time and it wasn\u2019t terribly exciting to me so I lost interest. When I was 15, a few friends of mine were all in a similar boat, we wanted to get back into enjoying following a team so we put all the bottom half teams into a hat, pulled one out and that was your new team, I drew Newcastle, for all my sins!
\nWhat you\u2019re best known for?<\/b> Buying French players for cheap and selling them on for a load more a year later.
\nYour star player?<\/b> Ayoze P\u00e9rez can pull something a bit special out of the bag from time to time so I\u2019ll go with him.
\nWhich new signing are you looking forward to and why?<\/b> We haven\u2019t signed many new players so far. Jacob Murphy from Norwich was the most recent and I\u2019d probably say he\u2019s the most exciting so far, he\u2019s really young and had a bit of a breakthrough last season.
\nExpectations for the new season?<\/b> To stay up, I think any Newcastle fan would be happy with that. Build from there after that.
\nPrediction for this season? <\/b> I\u2019m going to be realistic and go with Newcastle to finish just above the drop and Man United to win it (Just to keep Jamie from The Winter Passing happy!)
\nFinishing position:<\/b> 15th
\nFavourite chant\/song? <\/b> \u201cDwight, Dwight, Dwight, Dwight, Dwight, he makes Lionel Messi look s**te. Gayle, gayle, gayle, gayle, gayle, he\u2019s better than f*****g bale.\u201d<\/i> Mainly because I like Dwight Gayle and really dislike Gareth Bale.<\/p>\n

\"\" S\u00eaan Reid (Already Heard Founder & Senior Editor)<\/h2>\n

What team do you support:<\/b> Nottingham Forest
\nWhy do you support that team?<\/b> They\u2019re the nearest \u201cbig\u201d team to my hometown.
\nWhat you\u2019re best known for?<\/b> Did you know we once won the European Cup back-to-back? Also the legend that is Brian Clough.
\nYour star player?<\/b> It\u2019s hard to choose, especially since Britt Assombalonga went to Middlesborough. Nevertheless, despite his age, I think Daryl Murphy could ship in a few goals to fill the void.
\nWhich new signing are you looking forward to and why?<\/b> Barrie McKay looks like to be a good bit of business from Rangers.
\nExpectations for the new season?<\/b> After avoiding relegation on goal difference, I\u2019d happily take anywhere in the top 15. It\u2019s a new era at Forest. We\u2019ve got new owners who instantly put in a structure that sounds promising; we actually have a CEO! It seems from the large amount of season tickets sold, a lot of fans share the same optimism I have.
\nPrediction for this season?<\/b> I\u2019ve gone for Villa to win the league. Steve Bruce knows how to get promoted from the Championship and he\u2019s got a good mix of experienced and reliable players. And as much as I hate to say it, I can see Derby pushing for the play-offs.
\nFinishing position:<\/b> I think 10th would be a good postion to build on.
\nFavourite chant\/song? <\/b> Besides \u201cWe Hate Derby\u201d<\/i> there\u2019s nothing like hearing a packed City Ground singing
\nCity Ground,
\nOh mist rolling in from the Trent,
\nMy desire,
\nIs always to be here,
\nOh City Ground\u2026<\/i>
\nto the tune of Paul McCartney\u2019s ‘Mull Of Kintyre\u2019<\/i>.<\/p>\n

\"\" Michael Williams (Quiet Lions)<\/h2>\n

What team do you support:<\/b> Swansea City AFC
\nWhy do you support that team?<\/b> My dad is from the area and he used to take me to the games when I was a child.
\nWhat you\u2019re best known for?<\/b> Lee Trundle and Michu.
\nYour star player?<\/b> Gylfi Sigurdsson but not sure for how much longer.
\nWhich new signing are you looking forward to and why?<\/b> Tammy Abraham as he had a great season on loan at Bristol City last year and has a keen eye for goal. I think he\u2019s capable of 15-20 goals in the Premier League next year.
\nExpectations for the new season?<\/b> I expect us to improve on last season and if we can hold onto our best players finish mid-table.
\nPrediction for this season? <\/b> I think Man City with their new look defence and that amazing forward 3 have the strongest XI going into the new season. Top 5 for me would be: Man City, Chelsea, Tottenham, Man Utd, Arsenal
\nFinishing position:<\/b> Swans to finish 13th
\nFavourite chant\/song? <\/b> ‘Hymns and Arias\u2019 is a special one when ringing around the Liberty Stadium.<\/p>\n

\"\" K\u0113ra Stewart (Echoic)<\/h2>\n

What team do you support:<\/b> Reading
\nWhy do you support that team?<\/b> I\u2019m Reading born and bred and I used to play for Reading FC when I was a kid.
\nPrediction for this season? <\/b> Reading will ACTUALLY get promoted next season.
\nFinishing position:<\/b> 2nd
\nFavourite chant\/song? <\/b> \u201cWe love you Reading, We do, ohhhhhh Reading we love you!\u201d<\/i>\u201c – I love expressing my romantic interests to the team.<\/p>\n

\"\"Callis (Cheap Heat)<\/h2>\n

What team do you support:<\/b> Ipswich Town
\nWhy do you support that team?<\/b> Born and raised in Suffolk. My Mum has been going to Portman Road since the 70s and is blue through-and-through, so I\u2019d have been disowned if I supported anyone else.
\nWhat you\u2019re best known for?<\/b> Giving England their two best managers; Sir Alf Ramsey and Sir Bobby Robson. Oh, and that 9-0 thrashing from Manchester United but we don\u2019t talk about that.
\nYour star player?<\/b> In the current squad, I\u2019d probably have to say our keeper Bartosz Bia\u0142kowski.
\nWhich new signing are you looking forward to and why?<\/b> Joe Garner who has joined us from Glasgow Rangers. There\u2019s been a lot of debate as to whether or not he\u2019ll make it at Championship level, but he\u2019s smashing in goals this pre-season.
\nExpectations for the new season?<\/b> A lot of ITFC fans were rightly frustrated last season as we took large steps back on the previous three years. Although we\u2019re not splashing out silly money this Summer, we have made some solid signings. All we need now is for Mick McCarthy to get the best out of them. It\u2019s really hard to say as at the end of last season I was dreading August, but business and pre-season has given me some hope. Just praying I\u2019m not disappointed again!
\nPrediction for this season?<\/b> My prediction to win the Championship is probably Fulham or Sheffield Wednesday, both have some solid ground to build on from last season.
\nFinishing position:<\/b> My generous position is 5th, but my realistic prediction is anywhere between 8th and 12th.
\nFavourite chant\/song? <\/b> “Ar*ehole Ar*ehole Ar*ehole, Delia\u2019s a fucking Ar*ehole, she makes mashed potato and we fucking hate her, Delia\u2019s a fucking Ar*ehole\u201d because it\u2019s funny and a bit more classy than our other Delia Smith chant that basically wishes her dead.<\/p>\n

\"\"Jack \u201cPop\u201d Clothier (Alcopop Records)<\/h2>\n

What team do you support:<\/b> Coventry City
\nWhy do you support that team?<\/b> Because of where I was born and grew up. Either that or I love pain, misery and despair!
\nWhat you\u2019re best known for?<\/b> It used to be said that if the Titanic was painted sky blue, it wouldn\u2019t have gone down, and we were long famed for our gritty and disappointing (though ultimately successful) consistent battles against relegation. Now we\u2019re more widely known as one of the most poorly run and shoddily treated teams in the country via our terrible owners.
\nYour star player?<\/b> It\u2019s tough to say as there are a lot of new signings. I\u2019m excited to see if Jodi Jones can step up this season. Jordan Willis is class as well if we can keep him.
\nWhich new signing are you looking forward to and why?<\/b> Maxime Biamou from Sutton looks like he could be an exciting prospect.
\nExpectations for the new season?<\/b> To be cruelly denied in the Play-off final by a resurgent Forest Green\u2026
\nPrediction for this season? <\/b> Man United to win the Premier League and to be honest we\u2019re new in League Two, so I don\u2019t know\u2026
\nFinishing position:<\/b> 5th, though we usually finish around 18th, so please give me the option to come and amend this entry when I\u2019m full of woe and despair around March time\u2026
\nFavourite chant\/song?<\/b>Let\u2019s all sing together
\nPlay up, Sky Blues
\nWhile we sing together
\nWe will never lose!<\/p>\n

\"\" JJ Armstrong (Dire Bloom)<\/h2>\n

What team do you support:<\/b> Nottingham Forest
\nWhy do you support that team?<\/b> Born & raised in Nottingham, hated football for the first seven years of my life but my mum put me forward for a special thing they did for 8 year olds. I met Marlon Harewood and David Prutton and then we lost to Wimbledon. I knew then they were the team for me.
\nWhat you\u2019re best known for?<\/b> Winning back to back European Cups!
\nYour star player?<\/b> Since we\u2019ve let Britt Assombalonga go to Middlesborough, I\u2019m not too sure now. Maybe good old Chris Cohen?
\nWhich new signing are you looking forward to and why?<\/b> Other than seeing Assombalonga go, I\u2019m not too clued up on who we\u2019re chasing, but I hope we use that money to fill the important gaps in our team.
\nExpectations for the new season?<\/b> As always with Forest, start off really well and then fuck up the rest of the season. I hope we can at least push for nearing play-offs.
\nPrediction for this season? <\/b> We\u2019ll float mid-table I think, but it\u2019d be nice to claw at the play-off places. I think Villa and Middlesborough are good shouts for the top 2.
\nFinishing position:<\/b> I\u2019ll be positive – 5th and a play-off fight.
\nFavourite chant\/song? <\/b> The infamous \u201cOH NOTTINGHAM, IS FULL OF FUN, OH NOTTINGHAM IS FULL OF FUN! IT\u2019S FULL OF TITS, FANNY & FOREST, OH NOTTINGHAM IS FULL OF FUN\u201d<\/i> was a favourite as a young’un, I found it absolutely hilarious at the time but seems a bit non-PC and crude reciting it back now\u2026<\/p>\n

\"\" Lewis Maynard (Kenneths)<\/h2>\n

What team do you support:<\/b> Arsenal
\nWhy do you support that team?<\/b>\u00a0Because they are the best team in London and I would of been put up for adoption if I chose a different team.
\nWhat you\u2019re best known for?<\/b> The only team to have their football pitch inside a library.
\nWhich new signing are you looking forward to and why?<\/b> Alexandre Lacazette. Even my nan is aware that Arsenal have needed to sign a forward for a while now.
\nExpectations for the new season?<\/b> Tottenham will flop. Rooney will shine at Everton. Mourinho will continue to chat shit even though United will do well.
\nPrediction for this season? <\/b> Man United, Chelsea, Man City, Arsenal, Everton, Liverpool and then Tottenham
\nFinishing position:<\/b> 4th. Not having to play Champions League football will help although Arsenals season really depends if Sanchez stays or not. If he leaves I might start supporting Millwall.
\nFavourite chant\/song? <\/b> ‘She Wore A Yellow Ribbon\u2019<\/i>. It\u2019s a great song and we get to sing it a lot due to Arsene Wenger\u2019s FA Cup fetish.<\/p>\n

\"\" Liam Hemingway (Honeypot Records \/ Ex-Walleater)<\/h2>\n

What team do you support:<\/b> Leeds United
\nWhy do you support that team?<\/b> The atmosphere at Elland Road is always incredible and the football isn\u2019t actually as bad as it used to be. Maybe this will be the season we return to the big leagues, ey?
\nWhat you\u2019re best known for?<\/b> We\u2019re well known for our rowdy fanbase\u2026 There\u2019s never a dull moment at a Leeds game. Also our relegation and subsequent fall from grace about a decade ago, but that\u2019s still a bit of a touchy subject.
\nYour star player?<\/b> Chris Wood.
\nWhich new signing are you looking forward to and why?<\/b> Vurnon Anita. He earned promotion with Newcastle last season and he\u2019s a former Ajax player, sounds decent enough to me!
\nExpectations for the new season?<\/b> We were super unlucky not to make the play-offs last season, and I\u2019d be disappointed if we missed out on them again this time around. I think we have a good enough squad to gain promotion from the play-offs, but anything can happen in those type of games.
\nFinishing position:<\/b> 5th
\nFavourite chant\/song? <\/b> Hearing 30,000 people chant ‘Marching On Together \u2019<\/i>is always an incredible moment, so I\u2019d have to go with that.<\/p>\n

\"\" Dave Owen (Big Scary Monsters)<\/h2>\n

What team do you support:<\/b> Tranmere Rovers
\nWhy do you support that team?<\/b> Aside from being born three miles away – I\u2019ve no idea. They are an eternal disappointment. That said I\u2019ve supported them for 30 years the useless bunch of *****. I must be one of only 7000 or so fans that dreams of playing Oldham on a Tuesday night again as some measure of success.
\nWhat you\u2019re best known for?<\/b> Being shit. We got 95 points last season and still didn\u2019t get promoted and were beaten by a bankrolled millionaires plaything (actual village team) at Wembley. We\u2019re actually the least successful football team in the country – no one has waited longer to win something than us in the Football League\/Conference – 30 years counting.
\nYour star player?<\/b> Our centre-half Steve McNulty probably. He\u2019s the physique (and pace) of an alehouse Sunday League player, but the footballing brain\/feet of Beckenbauer. Pure non league gold.
\nWhich new signing are you looking forward to and why?<\/b> We\u2019ve signed our rivals Chester centre forward – James Alabi -who looks handy. Also Jay McEveley at centre back – who used to be good and played for Blackburn\/Swindle Town, Derby etc.
\nExpectations for the new season?<\/b> I want to say we\u2019ll win it. I do. But that\u2019s not the Tranmere way at all. Mickey Mouse non-league has only one auto promotion place and SEVEN play-off places and we bollocksed that right up last season at Wembley. It\u2019s the hope that kills you.
\nPrediction for this season? <\/b> All the fun of a root canal operation. The likes of Solihull Moors, Guiseley, Fylde, Ebbsfleet etc to continue to have all the romance of a wet weekend away in Bognor (it was fun for 5 minutes). Dagenham to still charge \u00a324 to stand at a non-league game. Bleak. Us to lose on BT Sport to a team that brings 14 away fans\/plays on a cabbage patch with a shed for a stand.
\nFinishing position:<\/b> 2nd (lose in play-offs to whoever finished 20 odd points behind us)
\nFavourite chant\/song? <\/b> To the tune of the chorus of Earth Wind and Fire\u2019s ‘September\u2019<\/i><\/a> – \u201cOn and On, We\u2019ve got Connor Jennings, On and On He used to play for Wrexham, On and on, he never gives the ball awayyyyyy!\u201d<\/i><\/p>\n

\"\" Ross Archibald (Altered Sky)<\/h2>\n

What team do you support:<\/b> Celtic
\nWhy do you support that team?<\/b> Because of their history, and my own family, and more recently our band manager is Celtic daft so my passion for the team has increased ten-fold over the last few years!.
\nWhat you\u2019re best known for?<\/b> Being one of the most iconic clubs in football history; the first UK team to win the European Cup. More recently, Brendan Rodgers managing us to an invincible and undefeated treble.
\nYour star player?<\/b> That\u2019s a hard one, so many to choose from but on current form has to be Scotty Sinclair.
\nWhich new signing are you looking forward to and why?<\/b> French U21 international Olivier Ntcham who looks like a player, international team mate of the awesome Moussa Dembele too of course!
\nExpectations for the new season?<\/b> Another treble would be nice but I\u2019d like to see us progress into the Champions League again with an extended run in the tournament or failing that the Europa League.
\nPrediction for this season? <\/b> Celtic to run away with the league title by 25 points and to qualify for the Champions League.
\nFinishing position:<\/b> 1st
\nFavourite chant\/song? <\/b> Has to be the Scotty Sinclair song at the moment sung to the tune of‘Logical Song\u2019<\/i> by Supertramp\/Scooter.<\/p>\n

\"\" Oli Austen (Quiet Lions)<\/h2>\n

What team do you support:<\/b> Blackburn Rovers
\nWhat you\u2019re best known for?<\/b> Being owned by chicken farmers and being the only team to have ever won the Premiership to then sink as low as League One.
\nYour star player?<\/b> Danny Graham \/ Charlie Mulgrew
\nWhich new signing are you looking forward to watching?<\/b> Dominic Samuel
\nExpectations for the new season?<\/b> Win League One!
\nPrediction for this season? <\/b> Promotion for Blackburn and Man City to win the Premiership.<\/p>\n

\"\" Jonny Cloke (The River Jumpers)<\/h2>\n

What team do you support:<\/b> Tottenham Hotspur
\nWhy do you support that team?<\/b> My dad was a fairly casual fan who never tried to sway me and my brother towards a particular team, but I had older cousins on both sides of my family who supported Spurs so it was just the natural choice I guess!
\nYour star player?<\/b> So many contenders in the Spurs team right now, currently I\u2019m a big fan of Christian Eriksen.
\nWhich new signing are you looking forward to and why?<\/b> I\u2019ll get back to you when we actually sign someone, haha. Although I\u2019m excited that Kieran Trippier has signed a new contract, he\u2019s going to be an important player this season after losing Kyle Walker to City.
\nExpectations for the new season?<\/b> I have pretty high hopes for Spurs this season, we\u2019re improving year on year and think Pochettino has turned us into real title contenders! A lot of people are concerned about what effect it\u2019ll have playing our home games at Wembley this year, we\u2019ll just have to see what happens.
\nPrediction for this season? <\/b> I have a feeling there\u2019ll be another Tottenham\/Chelsea title race, maybe with a bit more pressure from City and Liverpool this year.
\nFinishing position:<\/b> 1st\/2nd (aiming high!)
\nFavourite chant\/song? <\/b> There\u2019s been a lot of good ones recently around individual players (We\u2019ve got Dele, Dele Alli!) but my all time favourite has to be Ossie\u2019s Dream. The fact that it is still sung today shows our great tradition of honouring the past while looking to the future, and the future is bright (or should I say white? somebody stop me). Also an added bonus of this song is that the music video features a young Chris Hughton (since River Jumpers are a Brighton band and I went to university across the road I have to confess a soft spot for the Seagulls!)<\/p>\n

\"\" Sunny Stuart Winter (Such Great Heights podcast)<\/h2>\n

What team do you support:<\/b> Norwich City
\nWhy do you support that team?<\/b> I\u2019m originally from Norwich, supported since I was a kid and had trials with their academy when I was young.
\nWhat you\u2019re best known for?<\/b> Most probably Delia Smith, especially her \u201c12th man\u201d speech\u2026
\nYour star player?<\/b> 100% Wes Hoolahan, fan favourite. It\u2019s his 10th season at the club. What a gem.
\nWhich new signing are you looking forward to and why?<\/b> Quite a few of them really. Christoph Zimmermann at the back seems pretty solid but if outrageous hairstyles are a sign of proven talent then Mario Vrancic could be the one!
\nExpectations for the new season?<\/b> I mean, frustration will undoubtedly play a part but that\u2019s part of being a Norwich fan.
\nPrediction for this season? <\/b> I\u2019m going to go with consistent inconsistency for Norwich. I\u2019ll take a punt on Middlesbrough & Sheffield Wednesday as top 2.
\nFinishing position:<\/b> Aiming for a play off place, I\u2019m going to say, we\u2019ll sneak in 6th position.<\/p>\n

\"\" Mark Bailey and Danny Nicholson (Dirty Rotten Souls)<\/h2>\n

What team do you support:<\/b> Port Vale
\nWhy do you support that team?<\/b> If we didn\u2019t we would be disowned by our family.
\nWhat you\u2019re best known for?<\/b> Robbie Williams supporting them or being one of only two teams in the football league with a name that isn\u2019t an actual place.
\nYour star player?<\/b> Tom Pope. Local lad who was born in Stoke-on-Trent and is Vale through and through. He gets stuck in and plays for the shirt week in, week out.
\nExpectations for the new season?<\/b> We\u2019re looking quite strong; a good mixture of signings for League Two, based on the experience of manager Michael Brown (ex Leeds, Sheff Utd, Fulham).
\nPrediction for this season? <\/b> Top 3 for Vale. Not bothered about the Premiership, although it\u2019d be nice for an underdog to win it again like Leicester
\nFinishing position:<\/b> 3rd
\nFavourite chant\/song? <\/b> \u201cWe are Vale, We are Vale, Super Vale, from the park, No one takes us, Stokies hate us, We are Vale, from the park.\u201d<\/i> This is our favourite because it gets you going especially when away from home, plus it displays the fact that despite our very near neighbours Stoke City being in the Premiership nowadays, they still can\u2019t stop talking about ‘tinpot Port Vale\u2019<\/i>.<\/p>\n

\"\" Alex Kempson (Chaos Reigns)<\/h2>\n

What team do you support:<\/b> Liverpool
\nWhy do you support that team?<\/b> I have a lot of family up in Liverpool and watching players like Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard play amazed me.
\nYour star player?<\/b> Sadio Mane
\nWhich new signing are you looking forward to and why?<\/b> Mohamed Salah
\nExpectations for the new season?<\/b> Chelsea\u2019s dominance of the league ending.
\nPrediction for this season? <\/b> Manchester City to win the league.
\nFinishing position:<\/b> 3rd
\nFavourite chant\/song? <\/b> ‘You\u2019ll Never Walk Alone\u2019<\/i> because of the significance it holds as a Liverpool fan.<\/p>\n

\"\" Sam Igoe (Mellor)<\/h2>\n

What team do you support:<\/b> Reading
\nWhy do you support that team?<\/b> It\u2019s my hometown club, and three generations before me have supported them!
\nWhat you\u2019re best known for?<\/b> Probably still holding the highest points record in the Championship. We managed to knock up a pretty respectable 106 points when we got promoted to the Premier League in the 2005\/6 season! Let\u2019s not talk about what happened a couple of years later though\u2026
\nYour star player?<\/b> In the current squad, it would have to be Liam Moore for me. I thought he was great at Leicester a few years back and was pretty surprised when we signed him – think it was down to Jaap Stam more than anything to be honest! He\u2019s been solid at the back though and is so composed on the ball for a centre half.
\nWhich new signing are you looking forward to and why?<\/b> Probably Vito Mannone from Sunderland. If you\u2019ve got a solid keeper in between the sticks, you\u2019ve always got a chance of nicking a 1-0 win in a tight game of football. With Stam\u2019s tactics very reliant on playing out from the back, I think it\u2019s pretty key to have a decent keeper who is both a good shot stopper and good on the ball.
\nExpectations for the new season?<\/b> It\u2019s so difficult with Reading! You never know what performance you\u2019re going to get, we could either go out and dominate, or not turn up and get completely turned over! We\u2019ve made a few good signings so it would be great to build on last season and go up automatically. I\u2019d take the play-offs again though, even if I am risking more heartache at Wembley!
\nPrediction for this season? <\/b> The Championship is such a difficult and competitive league, so lets wait and see how we\u2019re looking next May. I think Aston Villa have made some really good signings – I reckon they could be up there pushing for automatic promotion.
\nFinishing position:<\/b> Anywhere in the play-offs.<\/p>\n

\"\" Marc Christie (As I Was Hunted)<\/h2>\n

What team do you support:<\/b> Motherwell
\nWhy do you support that team?<\/b> I started supporting them because most of my family are from the town, and they were the first team I went to watch when I was 8.
\nWhat you\u2019re best known for?<\/b> For me, they are best known for winning a memorable Scottish Cup in 1991, and for recently becoming a fan owned club.
\nYour star player?<\/b> I think it would be silly to say anyone other than our number 9, Louis Moult. 77 appearances, 37 goals and 13 assists I think he has, speaks for itself.
\nWhich new signing are you looking forward to and why?<\/b> We have a lot of new signings I\u2019m excited to see for our season. Our competitive season has begun already with the cup, and Craig Tanner finding the scoresheet already is great. I\u2019m excited to see how he, Andy Rose, and Trevor Carson all do this season. Gael Bigirimana and Cedric Kipre have all started well also.
\nExpectations for the new season?<\/b> Hopefully we can avoid the relegation battle we were in last season, despite how exciting it was! I\u2019d like to see us push for top 6, but the league is going to be really tight this season, so a 7th\/8th place would be more realistic I feel.
\nPrediction for this season? <\/b> A good cup run could be hidden away for us! Celtic will more than likely run away with the league, with Aberdeen finishing 2nd. I see 3rd place being a battle with a good few teams.
\nFinishing position:<\/b> 7th\/8th
\nFavourite chant\/song? <\/b> My favourite chant has to be ‘Since I Was Young\u2019<\/i>. The song gives me great memories of great results at Fir Park and great Derby games.<\/p>\n

\"\" Jack Bonson (Hollowstar)<\/h2>\n

What team do you support:<\/b> Leeds United
\nWhy do you support that team?<\/b> They are the closest team to my birthplace and where my family is from.
\nWhat you\u2019re best known for?<\/b>\u00a0These days probably our fall from grace in the early 2000\u2019s
\nYour star player?<\/b> Pablo Hernandez or Chris Wood.
\nWhich new signing are you looking forward to and why?<\/b> Vurnon Anita. A versatile player that has proven he can perform at this level.
\nExpectations for the new season?<\/b> We just missed out on playoffs last year and sadly I fear it may be the same story this year.
\nPrediction for this season?<\/b> With the Championship, its the most competitive league in the world, so it\u2019s always tough to call. Every season at least half the league have a shot, but this year I may have to say Aston Villa as they have spent so much money on new players that a lot of clubs don\u2019t have the option to do.
\nFinishing position:<\/b> 8th but I\u2019m hoping for a playoff spot.
\nFavourite chant\/song? <\/b> ‘Marching on Together\u2019<\/i> as it was the first Leeds chant I ever learnt when I used to go to the games with my Dad, my brothers and Grandad as a kid.<\/p>\n

\"\" Harry Steel (Rain)<\/h2>\n

What team do you support:<\/b> Liverpool
\nWhy do you support that team?<\/b> They were my mums favourite team!
\nWhat you\u2019re best known for?<\/b> Being really good in the 70\u2019s \/ 80\u2019s and mediocre at present.
\nYour star player?<\/b> Currently Phillipe Coutinho, but by the end of the season I\u2019ll probably say Man\u00e9
\nWhich new signing are you looking forward to and why?<\/b> Mohammed Salah because he could either be great or awful. Excited to see Dominic Solanke get some game time too, he had a great summer for the England U20\u2019s.
\nExpectations for the new season?<\/b> Liverpool to score loads of goals but have a leaky defence yet again.
\nPrediction for this season? <\/b> Chelsea to win the league and Man City to not make top 4.
\nFinishing position:<\/b> 4th
\nFavourite chant\/song? <\/b> ‘You\u2019ll Never Walk Alone\u2019<\/i><\/p>\n

\"\" Adam Kelly (Dire Bloom)<\/h2>\n

What team do you support:<\/b> The name and the colours stood out to me when I was a little nipper and I\u2019ve never looked back since. By pure coincidence, Villa Park was only 45 minutes down the road.
\nWhy do you support that team?<\/b> Losing? We hold on to the 1982 European Cup win pretty fiercely. It used to be that we were the best in the Midlands but I have to concede that I don\u2019t think we are – but we will be again, don\u2019t you worry about that!
\nWhat you\u2019re best known for?<\/b> I\u2019m hoping Andre Green comes good this season. He has looked exciting in pre-season and I think the Jack Grealish bubble is close to bursting – big season for him.
\nYour star player?<\/b> I\u2019m looking forward to seeing if Glenn Whelan can provide enough midfield solidity to allow our supposed creative midfield to flourish, so we don\u2019t have to rely on Jonathan Kodjia\u2019s individual goals.
\nWhich new signing are you looking forward to and why?<\/b>
\nExpectations for the new season?<\/b> You\u2019d think with signing such experience in Terry, Whelan, Samba and Elmohamady alongside the rest of the squad that we\u2019ll be right up there. I\u2019m expecting a lot of 1-0\/2-0 wins and a strong push for promotion as long as Steve Bruce finds his best XI early
\nPrediction for this season?<\/b> I don\u2019t know how the oldies will cope with the sheer length of the season in the Championship but I\u2019m predicting Villa to go up. I think it could well be Sheffield Wednesday\u2019s year and possibly Middlesborough or Fulham via the play-offs?
\nFinishing position:<\/b> 1st
\nFavourite chant\/song? <\/b> That\u2019s easy. \u201cBirmingham, are you listening, to the song that we\u2019re singing, we\u2019re walking along, singing our song, shitting on the City as we go!\u201d<\/i><\/p>\n

\"\" Mark Vincent Bussey (Mixtape Saints)<\/h2>\n

What team do you support:<\/b> Sheffield United
\nWhy do you support that team?<\/b> Family support\/local team growing up.
\nWhat you\u2019re best known for?<\/b> In relatively recent times, for the wrong reasons e.g. Ched Evans & The Tevez Affair. Those that know: Tony Currie.
\nYour star player?<\/b> Present day you\u2019d probably have to say Billy Sharp.
\nWhich new signing are you looking forward to and why?<\/b> Whilst there will be some focus on Ched being back, Edna Stevens looks great pre-season. All that said I am more interested in seeing how England Under 20 & Toulon \u201cPlayer of the Competition\u201d David Brooks does. He\u2019s scored a few goals this pre-season too.
\nExpectations for the new season?<\/b> I hope we\u2019ll avoid a relegation battle.
\nPrediction for this season? <\/b> Unfortunately, I cannot see us finishing above Wednesday. I will say that we\u2019ll finish 16th and Man City will win the Premier League.
\nFinishing position:<\/b> 16th
\nFavourite chant\/song? <\/b> Greasy chip Butty. It\u2019s unique and it\u2019s ours.<\/p>\n

\"\" Billy Hills (Chocolate)<\/h2>\n

What team do you support:<\/b> Manchester United
\nWhy do you support that team?<\/b> My Dad grew up supporting them in the 1960s (even though he\u2019s a Londoner) after seeing the likes of George Best play and watched them lift the coveted European Cup.
\nYour star player?<\/b> Marcus Rashford. I fucking love him. His pace can change a game. It was evident when he came on in the Euros, he can inject something extra special into the game that makes it exciting and creates more opportunities for the team. His talent makes me hopeful for England\u2019s future in big tournaments.
\nWhich new signing are you looking forward to and why?<\/b> It has to be Romelu Lukaku. The man is so powerful and backs himself against any defender. He should hopefully be a great replacement for the equally strong Ibra.
\nExpectations for the new season?<\/b> United to come 4th and to reach a domestic cup final. I think we may struggle in the Champions League as it has been a while, but with a bit of luck we may reach the Quarter Finals.
\nPrediction for this season?<\/b> I believe (Manchester) City have a strong chance of finishing top followed by Spurs, Chelsea then United. I also believe Everton and West Ham have a really strong chance of competing for 5th and 6th place. They have built up their teams really well this summer, especially West Ham with Chicarito and Arnautovic, it should make some really great football.<\/p>\n

\"\" Adam Lamont (Frauen)<\/h2>\n

What team do you support:<\/b> Norwich City
\nWhy do you support that team?<\/b> I grew up in Norwich, why else would you support them?
\nWhat you\u2019re best known for?<\/b> I\u2019d like to say Jeremy Goss\u2019 goal vs Bayern Munich (the first Norwich game I watched), but it\u2019s \u201cLet\u2019s Be Havin\u2019 You\u201d<\/i> isn\u2019t it? Fun fact: I was at that game, we were beating Manchester City 2-0 but they managed to pull it back at half time. To drunk Delia\u2019s credit, she did have a point, the home fans were unusually quiet in that first half. She almost pulled it off too, we looked the better team in the second half and more likely to win, until a returning Robbie Fowler won it for City.
\nYour star player?<\/b> Wes Hoolahan (though really it should be Steven Naismith) he\u2019s been with us for almost a decade now and has always been consistently great. However, my love for Alex Tettey, even if he\u2019s far from our best player, is an undying one.
\nWhich new signing are you looking forward to and why?<\/b> We are very much rebuilding at the moment, so it\u2019s hard to tell, but so far creative midfielder Mario Vrancic from Darmstadt looks like an absolute steal.
\nExpectations for the new season?<\/b> Norwich are currently undergoing a German revolution under former Borussia Dortmund II manager Daniel Farke as a result of Head of Football Operations Stuart Webber replicating his exact same formula of success at Huddersfield Town. Farke seems to have a very firm idea of what he wants from his team and his signings so far, such as his former central defensive captain at BVB II Christoph Zimmerman, and are a clear sign of intent towards a particular ideology and change of system Norwich sorely need. As much as I felt Alex Neil\u2019s tenure wasn\u2019t anywhere near as bad as some made it out to be, it was clear we needed a complete clear-out and we seem to be getting that with Farke and Webber. We should at least be making the playoffs.
\nPrediction for this season? <\/b> I hate the Championship. Much as it is an exciting league for the neutral, it\u2019s a horrible league to get dragged into, because there is hardly anything separating the majority of the teams. So it is competitive and unpredictable every year. Middlesborough look strong enough to be pushing for an immediate return to the Premier League, Sunderland will also be pushing for the same, but I\u2019m not convinced they\u2019re quite in the same position. Hull don\u2019t appear to have any players left, so I\u2019d expect them to sink like Villa have. Of the promoted sides, I like Sheffield United to be challenging, along with their cross-town rivals Wednesday, but then, Leeds, Derby, even Alex Neil\u2019s Preston could all be up there. So given predicting this league is pointless, I\u2019m just gonna go ahead and say Norwich for the title, naturally.<\/p>\n

Finishing position:<\/b> 1st! (Or literally any other position)<\/p>\n

\"\" Dan Tolley (Chaos Reigns)<\/h2>\n

What team do you support:<\/b> Everton
\nWhy do you support that team?<\/b> Family are all Everton supporters so I was born one too: Evertonians are born, not manufactured. We do not choose, we are chosen.
\nWhat you\u2019re best known for?<\/b> I\u2019d say being the underdogs for the past 20 years, and having the most feared ground in the Premier League.
\nYour star player?<\/b> I can\u2019t bring myself to saying Barkley so I\u2019m personally going with Idrissa Gueye, absolute workhorse who any team would love to have.
\nWhich new signing are you looking forward to and why?<\/b> Can\u2019t wait to see Jordan Pickford behind a decent defence, reminds me of Big Nev (Neville Southall) who was my childhood hero.
\nExpectations for the new season?<\/b> Hopefully finish above Liverpool (just for bragging rights over Alex!) and get European competition again. I would also like to get fairly far in this years Europa league, it\u2019s been a while since we\u2019ve been there!
\nPrediction for this season? <\/b> I can (sadly) see Manchester United returning to their former glory and narrowly winning the league this season.
\nFinishing position:<\/b> 5th
\nFavourite chant\/song? <\/b> \u201cKopites are gobshites\u201d<\/i> I\u2019m a simple man with simple tastes!<\/p>\n

\"\" Robert James Tinsley the Third (SPLURGE)<\/h2>\n

What team do you support:<\/b> Arsenal
\nWhy do you support that team?<\/b> As a young child growing up round many a football fan, I had to make a decision, was it to follow one uncle and watch his heart break every time Watford FC failed to reach the Premier League, or was I to follow my other uncle and watch the pride and happiness in his face every time THE MIGHTY GOONERS won a cup final\/Premier League. Watching Henry\/Bergkamp\/Pires\/Adams\/Parlour\/Seaman\/Anelka take the Premier League by storm was pure bliss.
\nWhat you\u2019re best known for?<\/b> I\u2019d have to say probably coming forth. #WengerOut
\nWhich new signing are you looking forward to and why?<\/b> Alexandre Lacazette for me is going to be a hit amongst the Gooner fans and the Premier League. For me, he\u2019s looking like the new Henry. Plus it\u2019ll finally keep the likes of the huge flop Lucas Perez out the starting 11.
\nExpectations for the new season?<\/b> With the new signing Lacazette and maybe a couple of more new names to be added, plus it looks like we\u2019re holding onto the genius Sanchez for another season, it could just mean this season is all about the MIGHTY GOONERS. I could see us maybe doing a double, winning the Premier League and lifting the FA Cup once more. Hey fuck it. Why not the Champions League?!? Also, smashing those sick Tottenham scum both home and away. But that\u2019s to be expected.
\nPrediction for this season? <\/b> My top four has got to be: Arsenal, City, Everton, Chelsea.
\nFinishing position:<\/b> 1st<\/p>\n

\"\" Lee Vincent (Howland)<\/h2>\n

What team do you support:\u00a0<\/b>Southampton
\nWhy do you support that team?<\/b> I didn\u2019t really have a choice! All my family do and it\u2019s where I\u2019m from.
\nWhat you\u2019re best known for?<\/b> We produced the finest player to ever get less than 10 England caps in Matt Le Tiss, beat United in the FA Cup Final 1976 and won the glamorous Johnstone\u2019s Paint Trophy in 2010 against Carlisle. All equally good achievements if you ask me.
\nYour star player?<\/b> Oriol Romeu got player of the season last season so would have to be him. Honourable mentions include Cedric Soares and Shane Long.
\nWhich new signing are you looking forward to and why?<\/b> We\u2019ve only made one signing in Jan Bednarek so I guess him! But in the whole league I\u2019m excited to see how Kyle Walker goes down at City. That\u2019ll make or break his career.
\nExpectations for the new season?<\/b> I\u2019m hoping our new manager (Mauricio Pellegrino) will bring a decent playing style that Claude Puel failed to bring with him. Hoping for some more exciting football and if we can get better football all round then we can finish in Europe again.
\nPrediction for this season? <\/b> Huddersfield, Watford and Burnley will go down and Chelsea will win the league again.
\nFinishing position:<\/b> 7th<\/p>\n

\"\" Fraser Henderson (Daydream Frenzy)<\/h2>\n

What team do you support:<\/b> Aberdeen FC
\nWhy do you support that team?<\/b> They\u2019re my hometown club.
\nWhat you\u2019re best known for?<\/b> Beating Real Madrid 2-1 in the final of the European Cup Winners Cup, May 11th 1983. I could be wrong, but I think we remain the last team to beat them in a cup final?
\nYour star player?<\/b> It\u2019s hard to tell at the moment since it was Jonny Hayes. Maybe either Ryan Christie or Graham Shinnie.
\nWhich new signing are you looking forward to and why?<\/b> I\u2019m really happy with Kari Arnason coming back. Always been a fans favourite and was rock solid for Iceland in the euros last year.
\nExpectations for the new season?<\/b> Try and close the gap with Celtic, finish 2nd again and try and take home a cup.
\nPrediction for this season? <\/b> Can\u2019t see past Celtic winning the league. Chance they could win the treble again. But I was at the Scottish cup final last season and we ran them close, so if we get 2nd and close points gap, I\u2019ll be happy.
\nFinishing position:<\/b> 2nd or 3rd. Will take 3rd if we make group stages of Europe. But still expect 2nd.
\nFavourite chant\/song? <\/b> It has to be ‘Stand Free\u2019<\/i> or ‘Northern Lights\u2019<\/i> either one of those sung full volume brings a great atmosphere.<\/p>\n

\"\" Joe Campbell (Frauen)<\/h2>\n

What team do you support:<\/b> Partick Thistle
\nWhy do you support that team?<\/b> I support Thistle simply because my dad does, along with all his brothers. They come from a Rangers supporting family but had the awareness to know that is not how to be.
\nWhat you\u2019re best known for?<\/b> Thistle are probably best known for basically not being Celtic or Rangers, and that Billy Connolly joke. But I\u2019m very proud to follow a team in Glasgow where it doesn\u2019t matter what religion you are, as strange as that sounds. I love Glasgow, but I have a lover\/hate relationship with watching football here.
\nYour star player?<\/b> Kris Doolan reached 100 career goals last season so he\u2019s for sure an actual Thistle legend now. I also love Steven Lawless because hes a gear fiend and loves the bookies. Though our manager Alan Archibald is probably the biggest legend at the club, with over 400 appearences as a player, then taking over as manager, leading us up to the Premiership and securing top 6 last season. I love him.
\nWhich new signing are you looking forward to and why?<\/b> I\u2019m excited about Blair Spittal. He was brilliant for Queens Park and then for Dundee United. I think he will fit in with the kinda passing football we try and play at Thistle. Also having Niall Keown (yup, ugly Martin\u2019s son) properly signed up is an amazing piece of business, the guy is solid and can play as well.
\nExpectations for the new season?<\/b> With Hibs coming up, top 6 is going to be a lot harder. Every season I just hope Thistle don’t get relegated, then we\u2019ll go from there.
\nPrediction for this season? <\/b> Celtic will win the league, by a million points.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Although the festival season is still going strong, for some of us, another season is just getting started. In other words; Football is back! There\u2019s more to football beyond the inflated transfer fees and wages. For many, it\u2019s about passion and dedication. With a new season starting comes new players, new managers, new expectations and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":64832,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2329],"tags":[306,1275,645,1281,136,1279,1272,1283,1273,1278,1026,1248,122,582,1267,1284,1240,1282,474,1186,1270,1274,1280,1237,1271,523,1277,1276,1269,1268],"class_list":["post-1480","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-features","tag-alcopop-records","tag-altered-sky","tag-annas-anchor","tag-as-i-was-hunted","tag-big-scary-monsters-records","tag-chaos-reigns","tag-cheap-heat","tag-chocolate","tag-dire-bloom","tag-dirty-rotten-souls","tag-echoic","tag-faux","tag-feature","tag-fizzy-blood","tag-football","tag-frauen","tag-gallery-circus","tag-hollowstar","tag-honeypot-records","tag-invisions","tag-kamikaze-girls","tag-kenneths","tag-melor","tag-mixtape-saints","tag-quiet-lions","tag-rain","tag-such-great-heights","tag-the-river-jumpers","tag-the-winter-passing","tag-youth-killed-it"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nBand Goals! - Already Heard\u2019s 2017\/2018 Football Season Preview - Already Heard Staging<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Although the festival season is still going strong, for some of us, another season is just getting started. 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