I can only apologise - for, in the three Spotlight blogs that I have written this season, I am yet to introduce myself.
My name is Shaun Staff and I am in my debut campaign as a Plymouth Argyle fan - and what a year to have picked.
It is probably not right to admit that, in real life, I am an Aston Villa supporter - but I feel you finally deserve the truth. I am a mere sports journalism student from Birmingham and have followed my hometown club since I was five years old.
This season, I have grown accustomed to seeing my side play some huge games. There was the League Cup final, the forthcoming FA Cup semi-final and the ongoing hope of breaking up the Premier League's elite top four.
The only thing ruining 2009/10 for me, however, is that, since completing a placement at Home Park last summer, I have developed a close affinity with the Pilgrims and, more often than not of a weekend, find myself checking on Argyle's results ahead of my own club - not always pleasant viewing.
What has been pleasant is that, for the first time as a football fan, I have had something to really believe in; something to throw myself into; something to make the most of; something to maintain, as opposed to the monotony of knowing that, at Villa Park, we have either beaten a top club or lost against lesser opposition.
A relegation scrap is far from what I am used to - not particularly something I am enjoying - but something which has shown me that, even at the most buoyant of clubs, safety is never guaranteed.
As I have written before, it has to be noted that, at present, Argyle are at the peak of where recent history suggests we should be. That said; relegation is something which neither you nor I am prepared to fathom.
I regularly visit Greens on Screen, Argyle Insider and other fan sites - I must say, you are a cynical bunch - but, to be fair, gone are the days where it is acceptable for us to dismiss the threat of relegation and now is the time to realise that every remaining game of the season is, as the old cliché would suggest, a cup final.
Another thing I have picked up on - from 300 miles away - is the work that Paul Mariner has done since taking over from Paul Sturrock; the signings he has made, the confidence he has instilled and the general feel around Home Park - which has been transformed from that of resignation to resilience.
This is to take nothing away from Luggy but I can't help but notice the change in attitude. Just weeks ago, Communications Assistant Chris Parsons entered the Plymouth Half Marathon - which is ambitious, to say the least.
I'm just joking - I know Chris will read this and wish him all the best in his personal battle for survival - but, in all seriousness, however many points are still to be gained, recent showings suggest we have all the attributes necessary to avoid the drop.
And so to today's game - only 14 pars in, sorry - against Coventry City.
One of the most impressive stadiums in the country, I arrived at the Ricoh Arena around three hours early as I'd heard a rumour that the food was excellent - it really is - and, as I seldom attend games, I do always feel the need to comment on the hospitality.
"Now we've fed you, you have to fill out these feedback forms." With this classic line, I was convinced it had to be a good day - whilst remaining cautious that any further banter would fail to top that of the unequivocally welcoming hostess.
The stats in the press pack - detailing truths into which I don't wish to venture - made for uncomfortable reading; the team sheet proved slightly more appealing as Bradley Wright-Phillips made a belated first Argyle start, along with Yannick Bolasie.
It is, as yet, unclear as to what type of luck my presence brings to the side. In reality, I bring absolutely nothing, but, for the sake of the blog, let's go with the idea. I was in the stands for the pre-season draw with Hearts, the League Cup defeat at Gillingham, the unmerited 3-1 loss at the Hawthorns and the 2-1 victory over Doncaster at Home Park.
Early signs today suggested my attendance leads to a tepid game in which any starting-team debutants look sharp but lack conviction.
Half an hour in and not really any change. Jamie Mackie, among others, spent the half working hard to win the ball and came close with a volley from close range, tipped over by Kieren Westwood. Yala looked good with the ball at his feet and BWP was lively up top.
The following par is my attempt at humour to close the half with. In a brilliantly cruel twist, however, Kari Arnason's header gave Argyle a 45th minute lead and, elated as I was with the goal, I am not prepared to just delete words willy-nilly.
"That, sadly, was the full story of the half; nothing much to report. Aside from the football; none of us managed to win the 'lucky kick challenge', it was rather chilly in the press box and there was no sign of the cheerleaders that had performed before kick-off."
Also, I had to mention the cheerleaders - who we have now spotted just a few rows infront.
Eyes on the game.
As you will know, if you are going to follow Argyle on any sort of level, it is essential that you make the most of every lead. In true Greens fashion, Coventry were level through Michael McIndoe shortly after the break.
Another necessity is to take all the positives and what had been a quiet first half had, at least, turned into a lively second - I think I even heard Parsons, sat beside me, swear on a couple of occasions owing to over-excitement.
With no real angle for this piece - other than me going on and on about myself - I am struggling for a way to end it. We are in much a similar position to the one we were in 90 minutes ago; another fine performance under the belt but just one point gained - albeit a good point - and even less time to amass more.
One thing is for certain though; the cheerleaders were excellent.
Shaun Staff
