BELIEVE it or not, as a result of Steve McClaren's exploits, we all had a summer off football this year. But that's now a dim and distant memory as the Albion get down to business this Saturday and start their campaign with a trip to Gresty Road, Crewe.
Since Micky Adams' shock return to the Albion in May, there have been a number of arrivals in the playing ranks and, after an encouraging pre- season campaign, which has been more about performances than results, the hard work begins in earnest.
B
ut just how will the Seagulls fare?
Well, cynics would say that anything less than the seventh place achieved by former manager Dean Wilkins would be a failure. Then again, League One this season is a lot harder.
But I'm still confident that a play-off place is there for the taking.
So much so that I'm indebted to Stewart Peskett of Ladbrokes in Lancing, who has given me a £100 charity bet in aid of St Barnabas, which I'm going to wager on a top-three Albion finish — which will net the hospice £700, if it comes in.
Many thanks, Stewart, for that kind gesture and, naturally, with the start of the football season come the obligatory Harty's predictions. Stand by — although any team tipped by me should really think about writing the whole season off.
In the Premiership, look no further than Manchester United again, and if Berbatov goes to Old Trafford it could turn into a procession to rival the Worthing Carnival. In the Championship, the now-wealthy QPR look a prospect.
In League One, besides the Albion of course, Leicester City under Nigel Pearson could bounce back, with Leeds, and my old mate Ken Bates, making up the trio (Looking forward to seeing you at Elland Road on October 11, Ken).
And former Albion boss Peter Taylor could weave his magic in League Two at Wycombe Wanderers.
Saturday also starts the local non-league season, and I obviously have a vested interest, in my new capacity as co-chairman with Rob McAlees at Worthing United.
It certainly has been a learning curve. I have to say that, in Rob, the Mavericks have someone who knows not only the nuts and bolts of County League football but carries it out very well and he clearly highlights why individuals have previously tried and failed in a very difficult job.
Mac and I made no secret of the fact that we returned to the club to address and rectify issues away from the first team so, therefore, I really cannot say too much about how I think United will do.
What I can say is that I believe that, in Paul Curtis, United have a very talented young manager, and statistics prove that he is one of the most successful in the club's short history. So if his talented squad stays relatively injury and suspension-free, a season of consolidation, rather than a relegation battle, beckons.
Do we have yet another promising local golfer?
George Tillman, who took the game up less than a year ago, has been selected by his club, Hill Barn, to take part in the Sussex Under-12 Champ-ionship, today (Thursday). Is there something in the genes?
George is the nephew of former Worthing Football Club legend, Paul Lelliott.
If Manchester United and Portsmouth at Wembley on Murdoch TV doesn't "float your boat", there is another game on, this Sunday, in aid of the local children's hospice, the Chestnut Tree House.
Former Wales and Southampton goalkeeper Paul Jones leads out his all-star side against a team of Bognor Legends at Nyewood Lane, Bognor. For, more details please go to the St Barnabas website.
Does the Curse Of Harty strike this quickly? Press time, and Man U reveal nine players out injured — Ed
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