Why I can't help falling in love with North End all over again

Lancashire Post PNE Fans' Panellist JOHN SMITH prepares for another campaign recording his love affair with the club in print...

- 

During the final third of last season I frustratingly watched my team win just once in their final 15 matches, something which caused me a great deal of consternation.

It also gave me the feeling like someone who was going through a difficult time in a very strained relationship.

As I left the stadium in the afternoon sunshine at Bristol after our final game of the season, although I was pleased that I had just seen us pull away from abyss of League One, I can honestly say that at that point I had very little enthusiasm for the forthcoming campaign.

Since the heady days of September 2023 when, after a dream start to the season under Ryan Lowe when we had briefly topped the league after seven games, the routine of attending North End matches had become more like a chore for me.

Even when we changed managers after the opening game of last season many of our games were dour and devoid of any real excitement.

This has tested my patience on several occasions when I have sat in the stands hoping for the odd moment of euphoria to justify the admission money.