It's the one-year anniversary of The Wanderers Notebook

A lot can happen in a year.

Last April, on the eve of the 2023 CPL season, I decided to start this publication with the idea of doing my part for our fledgling football league. Although a journalist by trade and avid sports fan, I had never been a sports writer; I had no idea what to expect, how I'd be received or the depth of what I hoped to produce. Add in my battle with the long-term effects of post-concussion syndrome and you get an idea of how tenuous this endeavour felt.

Looking back at my inaugural blog post, it's safe to say that I got more involved than I intended.

Over the past year, The Wanderers Notebook has published 95 articles almost exclusively about the CPL. I've interviewed players, coaches, fans, media members, agents and executives. I got my first byline with OneSoccer; I started a podcast (if you haven't, give the Healey & Bailey Notebook a listen). Generally, I've immersed myself in the beautiful game and the wonderful people who make up this sport in Canada but specifically Nova Scotia. It's been a lot of fun.

And that's why I've decided to commit to another year of The Wanderers Notebook, covering the day-to-day operations of the Halifax Wanderers as a reporter and bringing insight into news across the CPL. Although I hope to have stories published in other publications (stay tuned for that), the bulk of my work will be available here and will continue to be free to the general public.

We in Nova Scotia are extremely fortunate to have so many dedicated creators surrounding the Wanderers: Martin Bauman, Matt Stickland, Carlos Benites, Glenn MacDonald, Chris Searl, Gary Griffiths and Anthony Abbott all do excellent work. Please support them — and anyone who covers the CPL or Canadian footy — as every subscription and click counts. Much of the work they produce comes from the goodness of their heart or because they pushed their bosses to cover the club; without your patronage, none of it is possible.

I've personally been humbled by my reception over the last year and the support from the Wanderers community. Thank you to everyone who has agreed to an interview, clicked on a story and stopped for a chat; I've enjoyed them all and there's a lot more to come.

And reach out! You can send thoughts or news tips to hfxwanderersnotebook@gmail.com or find me on Twitter (@joshrjhealey / @WanderersNotes) and Facebook (@WanderersNotebook) if you ever want to chat Wanderers, CPL or life in general.

Here's to the beginning of another CPL season.

Cheers.

Josh Healey