I relish the start of the football season in six days time, but I dread it as well.

It is when my personal predictions start to get tested to breaking point. I’m worried they will be tested to destruction soon enough, as bitter experience tells me this always happens.

I guess that is a consequence of backing Leyton Orient to get promoted into the Championship.

But there is usually at least one surprise package in the division which mounts a serious challenge upon the promotion places. So why not the O’s?

Last year it was Swindon Town, which I never saw coming, after they had finished next to Orient the previous season.

But then I had never heard about Charlie Austin, the striker whom the Robins plucked from total obscurity in the non-leagues and who then had a terrific time in front of goal in League One.

Is there a parallel now with George Porter, the 17 year-old who has just been signed to Orient from Cray Wanderers?

I hope so for the sake of my prediction, but I reckon probably not because of Porter’s very tender years.

All this thinking about glory obviously brings up the matter of rivals who covert it for themselves. So excuse me if I go all Richard III and have dark thoughts about the opposition while I scheme about the campaign.

Brentford are one team which could shock a few people this season. They were decent last season and finished up safe in League One. I rate the manager, and I know the new owner of the club has promised big money to spend.

That means they shall be in a better position to get Nicky Adams if and when he decides to quit Leicester City.

How great it would be for my prediction if Orient could get Adams back, but I fear that shall not happen because Brentford have the clout to make the best offer if he had to make a choice.

Notts County could also shake things up in League One. They were comfortable for promotion last season and when I saw them play were way better than the other lot.

So my confident prediction really adds up to blind faith. Faith in what I feel Russell Slade and the team that he has assembled can achieve in League.

I mean, Matt Spring scored from inside his own half yesterday against Cambridge yesterday! Anything is possible.

Jonathan Téhoué scored in the same match. Our French hitman is coming right at the right time.

Next week we shall start to find out.