As depression grows over the state of T&T's football at all levels, from Under-17 to the senior level, and our teams continue to lose and our administrators continue to make apparent excuses, it is no surprise that most of the football fans in this country are turning their attention elsewhere, so in recognition of that, let us look ahead to the new season of the English Premiership which begins on August 8 and the Italian and Spanish leagues as well.
A week before though, the Community Shield encounter, may give an indication of possible title contenders, when defending champions, Chelsea, battle FA Cup winners Arsenal, in an early London Derby at Wembley on August 2.
In the last few years, teams have struggled to repeat victories in the league and Chelsea although installed at favourities, have at the moment, made only two significant changes to the squad that made virtually all the running from in front to win another title for their eccentric manager Jose Mourinho. One is an attacking option in seeking some cover for the injury prone Diego Costa, by obtaining the talented Colombian Radamel Falcao, whose first season in this league at Manchester United is best forgotten. It is left to Mourinho to encourage the best from Falcao, given the news that Loic Remy may also be on his way out of Chelsea.
The other change was the enforced sale of goalkeeper Petr Cech, who was tired of playing understudy last year. However that the eventual beneficiary was rivals Arsenal made many angry. In fact, there were unfortunate reports of death threats being made to Cech.
Arsenal meanwhile have been quiet in the market, although there is speculation that a proven defensive midfielder and another central defender are two areas of concern that have to be addressed if Arsenal are to avoid the slow starts of recent years, that have caused them dearly.
There will be concern over the fitness over the inspirational Alexis Sanchez who inspired Chile to Copa America victory last week and has been playing football incessantly since the end of the season and the FA Cup success.
Manchester City, who were runners up last season will be relieved that Yaga Toure has committed his future to the club, but the possible news of one or both of Paul Pogba and Raheem Sterling joining this team would suggest danger for all other teams.
Manchester United on the other hand are fighting to retain the services of their Spanish goalkeeper David De Gea, whose intention to join Real Madrid is obvious for all to view.
The imminent departure of Robin Van Persie to Turkey may surprise many but after a sensational first season where he led United to success, Van Persie's last two seasons were far too injury prone and his goals dried up. Who will replace both Van Persie and Falcao this season will be critical for United fans.
Louis Van Gaal has shown his belief in his countryman, young Dutch midfielder Memphis Depay, it is left to be seen, how he adapts to this league. Already Nani has confirmed that he is leaving for Fernabache, while Van Persie continues to wait on the proposed payment structure at the new club before finalisation of the offer.
Liverpool, disappointed last season after a previous title challenging season and are in need of some urgent changes to their squad to once more be competitive, have already purchased the talented Brazilian Roberto Firmino and young defender Nathaniel Clyne, versatile James Milner and Danny Ings, which shows the intent is there, however it is in the goal scoring department, they have struggled since losing the prolific if troublesome Luis Suarez to Barcelona and Daniel Sturridge to injury last season. If Sterling does leave Liverpool, this will further restrict their attacking prowess. Liverpool will continue their summer spending spree by matching the �32.5m buyout clause in Christian Benteke's contract to bring the 24-year-old Belgium forward to Anfield.
There is a strong belief, that if Brendan Rogers fail to qualify Liverpool into the Champions League this season, this will be his last at the club as manager.
Tottenham Hotspurs have gone downhill since the departure of their starlet Gareth Bale and despite the early goal scoring prowess of Harry Kane, their ability to last out the season, that is finish strong continues to haunt them, even in last year's League Cup final against Chelsea, they looked out of sorts and at odds with each other.
If the management team can find a way for the players to deal with the pressure and instead bring the intensity of their derby matches more regularly to the forefront, 2016 could be a better season for all concerned.
There is always normally a team that surprises everyone and in this regard, I would like to suggest watching, Everton, as they have a bright manager in Roberto Martinez, who would have learnt from some of his mistakes of previous seasons.
In Spain, I do not expect any change in results with Barcelona looking unstoppable with Lionel Messi, Neymar Jr and Suarez while Real Madrid despite a change of manager in Rafa Benitez, not making any significant movements in both their creative areas of play or in attack.
So at least, the people of T&T can smile again, as overseas football is returning shortly.