Dougie Freedman has given his thoughts on the new fixture schedule to the official website and before pre-season training has even started he has an idea in his mind of the opening day picture against Watford on August 18th. "I can visualize it now, it'll be a sunny afternoon and hopefully the result goes our way." the boss told us after getting a chance to digest the new list.
"It's difficult to comment on what the perfect fixture would be as football is not a perfect world but having the first game at home is fantastic for the crowd and it gets the boys back straight away our own turf. We soon follow up the opening day with two away games, that's made it very interesting in terms of how you deal with the ups and downs of playing away."
Freedman is known for his hard work and meticulous preparations and these have taken in coaching sessions at European counterparts AC Milan and Palermo in previous seasons. And now as we all begin planning those trips on the road, Dougie has started making his, with even the family holiday giving way at times:
"The thought process for the upcoming season has already started. I've had a great holiday with the family but about half way through your mind does wander a little bit. You wonder what the players are up to and if they're taking the right actions to get themselves ready for the new season.
"But they're a great bunch of lads. As a coach I know they've all got the enthusiasm that you want to see everyday and I'm really looking forward to getting back and working with them. Now it's about entering into a pre-season that will hopefully get them in good condition for the new season, both mentally and physically."
You can watch the full interview with the boss on PALACE PLAYER by CLICKING HERE.
CLICK HERE for the full fixture list.