John Tilson, NCISA The club that I have supported and loved since 1963 today embarked on yet another campaign in a quest for league and cup glory. The excitement and expectation never ceases for many thousands of City fans, especially the younger generation who want to see Premier League football.

John Tilson, NCISA

The club that I have supported and loved since 1963 today embarked on yet another campaign in a quest for league and cup glory.

The excitement and expectation never ceases for many thousands of City fans, especially the younger generation who want to see Premier League football.

For those of us more senior in years, I am sure we have a more measured and reserved judgment on what 2008-09 may or may not bring.

There will be a debate over whether the squad is stronger and more capable of handling a push for the top six than that assembled by the previous manager.

Having watched the pre-season games against Spurs and Colchester, I saw three failings that have been there to see since the start of last season.

t Sloppy goals given away at the back.

t A midfield that, for all its endeavour, lacks penetration.

t A lack of a big man up front to hold and shield the ball. To weigh in with 15 or so goals would be handy as well. The axe, as promised, was wielded by Glenn Roeder and the numbers have been brought in.

The question is, has the necessary ingredient called “quality” come with them?

In the case of Wes Hoolahan and Sammy Clingan, the answer looks to be “yes”, but there must be reservations over others, and only time will tell.

John Kennedy, Arturo Lupoli and David Bell are either injured or not fully match fit.

For them to gel will take time, and in this division - with so many “big” clubs aiming for the ultimate prize - is time something that we have?

By that, I mean if we get off to a poor start, the ghosts of Darren Huckerby and Peter Cullum will start to lurk around sooner rather than later.

On another note, the absence of Chris Martin and Michael Spillane from the first-team squad photo ahead of their loan moves to Luton appeared to be another sad chapter for the academy.

The amount of money raised by supporters' groups to back our up-and-coming stars of the future is staggering, but in recent years the fruits of their labours have virtually all turned to stone.

Those number of players that have failed to make the final step or have been released to other clubs is mind-blowing, so I will be controversial and ask the question: Do we carry on as it is or do we cut our losses and save money?

After all, loan players from Premiership clubs are becoming more and more the flavour of the month.

t This year's Canary Challenge will reward the winners with the usual £750 in prize money.

Unfortunately, we do not have as sponsor as Woodforde's has decided not to continue.

A big thank-you to Mike Betts for his tremendous help and support over the past few years.

If anyone wishes to help with financial assistance, please call Kathy Blake on 01603 871720 or me on 07714 216616.

Please get your entries in by the end of August.

t www.ncisa.co.uk