Pre-season is always an interesting time for fans - the chance to re-acquaint ourselves with old friends on the terraces and to run the rule over how the manager’s new squad is shaping up.

What it definitely isn’t, is a time to get either over-excited or unnecessarily depressed. Those of us with longer memories will remember pre-season campaigns that made it seem the title was ours for the taking, only to be met with a serious reality check once the league campaign got underway. Similarly, in some years, these early encounters seem to predict a long winter ahead, only to be pleasantly surprised as the season progressed.

I liken it to a trip to Specsavers, where the optician tries all different combinations of lenses in the fake glasses, some better, some worse. And then magically at the end, he drops the perfect set into the holder and everything suddenly comes into focus. So, it is with pre-season outings - the chance for Darren Manning and his team, to try different combinations of players and different formations, all working towards the ideal XI. Results are less important than what the manager takes from the performance. The old adage is true that you learn more in defeat than in victory - and we’d much rather a loss in a pre-season game than once the chips are firmly down.

So it has been for this year’s pre-season. With several new players in the squad, there is a lot of “getting to know you” and for the coaching team to find out who can do what and where. It’s also of course about sharpening up fitness and stamina, combining training sessions with game time.

This season’s pre-season has fulfilled all of these ambitions against a range of opponents.

The early outing against Rayleigh Town was a chance to blow away a few cobwebs and whilst the 2-1 defeat was a disappointment, it got things up and running for another season, with 20+ players getting an outing, including a host of trialists.

The trip to Wingate & Finchley was then the first opportunity to test some of the new squad members against higher opposition,who are of course themselves going through the same pre-season rituals. There was generally a positive outcome, with a 3-2 win. Lewis Clark got his second goal in two games, Sam Bantick opened his season’s account and there was a first goal and a promising debut from Elton Gjionbala.

Haringey Borough, despite getting relegated last year remain a strong outfit, with several impressive players. Aron Gordon scored an early contender for goal of the season, whilst Luke Hirst also got on the scoresheet in an entertaining 2-2 draw, with Borough drawing level with almost the final kick of the game.

The now annual James Chisnell Memorial Trophy fixture against our friends at East Thurrock Community FC was an enjoyable, if poignant, evening out with Blues running out comfortable 4-0 winners with several other strikes hitting the woodwork or scrambled away by the home defence, who kept their heads up to the last. A Banno penalty and first Grays goals from Callum Fitzer, Nils Hlukaku and Oscar Shelvey retained the Trophy for the Blues.

Things looked different against high-flying and big spending Brentwood Town. Last season’s Isthmian 1N champions are looking to make a mark in the Premier Division this season, with several marquee signings. And with several potential starters unavailable, Grays were put under the cosh in the first half but fought back well after the break.

The encounter against VCD was a real game of two halves, with an og and a strike from Harry Hope cancelled out in the second 45 minutes.

Things ramped up a notch with the Stan Veness Memorial Trophy against our perennial adversaries from Tilbury. As befits any local derby, this was a feisty encounter and the 0-0 scoreline fails to reflect the chances created at both ends. But Darren needs to know who in his squad will roll up their sleeves when the mud starts flying on a cold Tuesday evening in February. Each of these games will have taught him something about his players and the resources he has available to him.

With one final pre-season game to come, on Tuesday evening at home to Cheshunt, the pieces are clearly falling into place - a side with leaders across the pitch, some players with a real winning pedigree and there’s definitely a steel and determination within this group of players.

We extend a warm “thank you” to all of our pre-season opponents for hosting us over the past few weeks and we wish you all well in the months ahead.

In a week’s time, we open business for the season with an FA Cup visit to Barking before the league campaign kicks off the Saturday after.

In the meantime, please think how YOU can play your part in our success:
Have you bought your club annual membership - only £30, money you can easily save with the discounts available for members.
Have you signed up for the 250 Club - the best value package to watch all of our home league games in the coming season.
And don’t forget the 12th Man Scheme - where all money raised helps Darren to put out the most competitive team he can.

Come on You Blues !