I think that the biggest reason for our improvement in the second half of last season was the agreement with Lancaster University's facilities to train. For the first time ever, we have access to regular, good quality training. I've wondered whether that will also reduce the high level of injuries that we've suffered in the past? Some of that may simply be that within our budget, we're more likely to have to take a gamble on injury prone players, but not previously having decent facilities probably doesn't help in keeping those players fit?
Having now had good training through pre-season, I really hope that we're going to hit the ground running AND get through the season without any major crisis too.
Top half finish this season, possibly even play-offs is not unreasonable, given how we finished last season, now we have what we need off the pitch too.