Football Season Guide

There is a new sense of optimism around Whaddon Road this summer after a promising start to Michael Duff’s managerial career. He arrived with plenty of credit in the bank having won the Conference title with the club 20 years ago and provided some much-needed stability as the side slowly climbed away from the wrong end of League 2. Duff inherited a bloated squad and has cut the dead wood over the summer. Like many clubs at this level, they have found the summer transfer market more than a little tricky. He will need to replace the tenacity of Nigel Atangana and creativity of Kevin Dawson, who have both moved on to pastures new. Charlie Raglan’s loan move from Oxford United has been made permanent. It means Duff will have a settled defensive unit in front of goalkeeper Scott Flinders. The former Forest Green Rovers striking duo of Reuben Reid and Tahvon Campbell will have plenty to prove after signing this summer. The Robins will hope to make some crucial signings during August. It might lead to a slow start but having struggled since their return to the Football League, they will be looking to make an impact on the division under Duff.