A note from me to you.

With Arsenal's return comes mine.

56 days ago I sat down to write a somewhat poetic, hard-hitting piece about Katie McCabe and her exit, trying to put into words what a lot of us were feeling. I hadn’t realised just how long of a break I would take after that, but I cannot stress the importance enough of me doing so. In that time I’ve started a new full-time job, come off social media almost entirely, and for the first time in a long time, gave myself permission to put me first.

@boodlepim (Suzy Lycett)

I must clarify, however, that my exit never was, and still isn’t, permanent.

I’ve been using every bit of free time I have to work on a piece sharing my thoughts on the signings, the upcoming season and I suppose, my expectations heading into it all.

I’m aiming to get that out over the next couple of weeks, but I’m not putting any pressure on myself by setting a date.

Last summer, the end of the season was pure elation, followed by a whirlwind few weeks in Switzerland. By the time I’d got home and unpacked my suitcase, it felt like the season was starting up all over again.

This summer, though, every time I look at the calendar I end up thinking, surely it can’t still be this long until the season starts again?

Like many others I miss it. The football, the community, the socialising, the travelling. I even miss the ranting and rambling that comes with it all (something I’m sure there’ll be plenty of again this season).

Before I release the piece I’ve been working on over the next couple of weeks, I felt it was only right to check in with a short note.

So many of you have supported this Substack throughout its journey, with plenty of you joining along the way, and I’m incredibly grateful for every single one of you.

I’m happy to say it’s not going anywhere. Next season might look a little different, but if you’re worried my opinions might disappear too, don’t be. Arsenal will no doubt give me plenty to say.

If there’s anything in particular you’d like to see discussed in the upcoming piece, or throughout the season more generally, do let me know.

This has always been built around a shared love for the club and the team, so your thoughts matter just as much as mine.

Here's to another season. See you very soon.

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