FOR football fans the summer of 2008 was supposed to be all doom and gloom as England failed to qualify for the European Champion-ships.
But worry no more, the domestic season is back as Solihull Moors boss Bob Faulkner enters his 23rd campaign.
A shrewd businessman in the transfer market, and a manager who is highly spoken of by his fellow colleagues, Faulkner will be hoping for a good season, with his bunch of talented players.
The Damson Park side open their Blue Square North campaign with a long-distance trip to Blyth Spartans
tomorrow, their first home match of the season is against Alfreton Town on Tuesday (ko 7.45).
Last year's Midland Comb Premier League runners-up Highgate will travel to Rocester to start their Aspire Midland Alliance season. The trip to Staffordshire is followed by Tuesday's home tie with Boldmere St Michaels.
New arrivals Dave Timmins and Craig Bailey will be keen to show their worth after signing from Castle Vale and Romulus.
Manager Peter Frain admits a mid-table finish would be fantastic however he has told his players that they should be pushing for the top ten.
It has been an eventful summer for Knowle who have seen a change in backroom staff with assistant manager Dave Cox replacing former boss Derek Adamson in the hot seat.
Supporters will also have to get used to a new ground following a groundshare deal with Studley FC.
After winning the Midland Comb Division One title last year, the only way to secure promotion would be to play at a ground with floodlights - The Beehive met this criteria. Tomorrow the Robins travel to
Heath Hayes and entertain Continental Star three days later.
A full round-up of all the games will follow in next week's edition.
