So, here we go again.   After a few precious weeks not having to worry about football results, the bandwagon is back on the road and will be with us for the next nine months or so.  As if I haven`t got enough to worry about already, what with Brexit, climate change (aka global warming,) deforestation and plastic I now have to concern myself week in, week out with how my varied football interests are progressing.

And guess what - it seems to be the same old story of keen anticipation leading only to crushed expectations, bewilderment, disappointment and confusion.  Starting with Southampton, after an encouraging pre-season, a whizzo manager now settled in and some new signings we Saints fans were all set for a dramatic start to the Premier League season away at Burnley.  I suppose it was predictable that Saints would lose 3-0 thanks to inept defending and equally inept attacking.  Same old story - even if Turf Moor is a difficult place to go to.

Elsewhere, my Gillingham supporting neighbour - the well known error of judgement - went to Priestfield yesterday only to see a home defeat to Burton Albion.  Same old story even after a motorway dash to ensure he arrived home in time for the game.

But some consolation was found in the victories for Truro City, recently relegated to the Southern  League South Division, who made the 500-mile round trip to West Byfleet in Surrey where they got their campaign off to a winning start by defeating Metropolitan Police 2-0. ( One does wonder whether it is ever good tactics to beat the Met. Police.)  And then there was Maidstone United, recently relegated to the National League South, who made the trip to Hungerford in Berkshire and came away with an encouraging 3-1 win.

But perhaps the most encouraging result was Fort William only losing 2-0 away at Strathspey Thistle.  The Fort might already be bottom of the Highland League but it has to be good news for them that they have so far avoided the double figure defeats they suffered last season.   For them, for the Saints, the Gills and all the others contributing to my burgeoning mental health issues, the only way is up.