Just 112 days after lifting the Singapore Premier League (SPL) trophy at Our Tampines Hub to complete a second consecutive domestic double, the Lion City Sailors are ready to go again in their quest for silverware.

And their first trophy of the new season could arrive as early as this Sunday (6 September), when they kick off their 2026/27 campaign with an enticing Community Shield clash against familiar rivals Tampines Rovers at the Jalan Besar Stadium.

Bolstered by 11 new signings and the return of Academy graduate Nur Muhammad Asis, the Sailors are raring to lay down an early marker ahead of a demanding campaign across four competitions.

“With a new season, the ambitions and expectations at this football club remain as high as ever, if not higher. To match those ambitions, we’ve got an even stronger squad than we’ve probably had in previous seasons,” acknowledged vice-captain Bailey Wright.

(New signings Antonio Mance and Giovanni Haag)

“We’ve added some real quality, including local players whom we already know well and a good group of foreign players from different countries. The varied experiences they bring really strengthen us as a group.

“After a positive few weeks of pre-season and getting to know everyone, I have to say this is a great group of human beings. It already feels like we know one another quite well. All the new guys have enjoyed coming into this environment and felt comfortable being themselves.

“Everyone settled in pretty quickly, and that’s probably down to the good culture we have here. It’s now about performing on the football pitch, and we’re excited to see what possibilities lie ahead.”

The Sailors spent two weeks in Spain during the off-season, where they underwent an intensive training programme and played three friendly matches against high-quality opposition.

Beyond building fitness and sharpness, the trip also helped strengthen the bonds within the new-look squad.

“The benefit of going away for pre-season is that you’re all in one place without any distractions,” explained Bailey. “You have a lot of meals and coffees together, share plenty of laughs and, of course, go through some gruelling sessions on the football pitch.

“I also got to know a few people’s golf swings. Some were good, some weren’t so good, while others picked it up really quickly. Little things like that were a laugh and gave us a sense of the human being behind each footballer.

“Everyone connected really well. Spain is an amazing country, with good food and a nice change in weather and atmosphere. The matches also gave us a taste of the tiki-taka style of Spanish football.

(Bailey with new signing Bobby Adekanye)

“There were plenty of positives to take, and ultimately, pre-season is about making sure we’re ready for the next 10 months.”

Every season brings its own challenges, and the Sailors underwent a coaching change earlier this week after parting ways with Jesús Casas.

Assistant Coach Varo Moreno has since stepped in to take interim charge of the first team until further notice. While the timing has presented the squad with an early test, Bailey believes the situation has only brought the Sailors closer together.

“Situations like this can show you the strength of the group, and I think we’ve emerged from it even stronger. From the staff to the players, we feel really united,” he shared.

“We all want what’s best for this football club and for one another. Ultimately, we want to enjoy what we do, win football matches and embrace the journey together as a team.”

Bailey has experienced contrasting fortunes in the past two Community Shields. He played the full 90 minutes as the Sailors defeated Albirex Niigata (S) to lift the trophy in 2024, before missing last year’s heavy defeat by Tampines through injury.

But the Australian, who has made 94 appearances for the club since arriving in July 2023, is determined to help the Sailors reclaim the Shield on Sunday.

“It’s a unique situation when your first match of the season gives you the chance to win a trophy,” he said. “We know the expectations on us as individuals and as a group are to lift trophies and finish the season with as many of them as possible.

“There’s no doubt Tampines are a good team with good players. We’ve had some good battles with them over the years, and I’m sure this will be another exciting game of football. But we know what we have to do to get the win.”

With anticipation building ahead of the season opener, Bailey is eager for the Sailors to bring more joy to their faithful in the campaign ahead.

“It’s a new season, a fresh start and an exciting time to be part of this football club, with such a strong group of players and big ambitions. So come down, get behind us and be at your loudest,” he urged.

“You’ll see a team that is 100 per cent committed to giving everything for this football club and for one another. We know how much this game means to the fans, and we’ll give our all to bring the Shield back to the club.”