Fixture Excitement?

Today saw the launch of the fixture list, as the 2008/2009 season becomes something more tangible. Darren wonders what all the fuss is about.

So, the long wait is over- we finally know who we will be playing in the first game of the season (Its Preston, if you missed it)!

Yet forgive me for not sharing the sense of excitement that the fixture list seems to provide for a surprising number of fans.

A month ago, I knew exactly who we would be playing next season, and that we would be playing each and every one of them twice, home and away, without any exception.

So, knowing exactly WHEN we will be playing Norwich doesnt really make much difference to me.

If we want to win promotion, we need to win as many games as possible, and whether we think we are able to win the first or last game is largely irrelevant. The only real issue is whether any of the fixtures clash with a wedding or other cant-miss event.

Of course, its partly to do with fans looking to see if we are able to get off to a good start, whether we can make a strong finish to the season or other such considerations. Yet, its almost impossible to truly evaluate how good most of the sides will be, as the examples of Charlton and Hull last season demonstrate.

That said, in a month, I will be going through the fixture list with a fine toothcomb to try and plot our path to promotion......