When asked about the coming season, Grilled coach Niculae Stanca was unequivocal in predicting that his team would shine. "First? Well, that's a high target, but we're not counting it out. At the very least, we aim to do better in our point total. Our strikers are another year wiser, and we've added top talent in Woon Shun An and Ling Fuquan. There's no reason to be shy about our ability."

If the response to this bold declaration was warm among the invited supporters, the new strip had a decidedly cooler reception. While there was nothing unexpected about the home, away and third colours of green, yellow and black respectively, some felt that the tartan patterning sat a little strangely.

Stanca waved away the concerns. "It's a... distinguished kit. Our kit manufacturer had done some mockups, and as you all know, a certain famous club got assigned a tablecloth. I think we got off lightly."

This explanation didn't sit well with one fan, who complained loudly once outside, as he passed by the club megastore. "They're not even trying with the designs any longer! Now, they're just pushing new crap onto us every few months, and hoping that we will snap it up like the good little consumer puppets we are!"

"I'll take two, please."

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