Real Mallorca start their centennial year season on Saturday with an away game in Madrid against Alcorcon – kick off is 8.30. After a tempestuous three seasons (two of them in La Segunda), Real Mallorca will look forward to rewarding their frustrated fans patience by pushing for promotion (or a play-off place) come next May. We've become used to turmoil for too long at the club in recent times but at last there are signs of tranquility returning to the Son Moix.
This is my 33rd season as a “socio” of Real Mallorca and as usual I have mixed feelings of trepidation and expectation. Our pre-season campaign wasn't the best, two wins, three draws and two defeats and we're seriously lacking in the goalscoring department. With a dozen new players signed, and a new coach Albert “Chapi” Ferrer prowling the technical area desperate to prove himself, we need to build a strong platform for our too-long-awaited return to La Liga.
Part of our problem over the past seasons in La Segunda has been a lack of assurance. At times the players looked like they didn't fancy their own chances. We were particularly vulnerable in defence but from what little I've seen of our new back four, the attitude looks better.
So, with the new season kicking off, what I am looking for? First and foremost, it's imperative we get off to a good start, and if we do that, then from the point of view of momentum, the atmosphere in and around the Son Moix will be high, encouraging more doubters to purchase a season ticket.