Having endured a horror Hyundai A-League campaign with Adelaide United last season, Scott Jamieson is probably better placed than many in the Sydney FC squad to assess just how serious the his new club's current predicament is.
Jamieson and his Sky Blues team-mates head into Saturday night's round five clash with the Reds still searching for their first win of the season after two draws and two defeats over the first four weeks of the season.
It was a similar scenario that the 21-year-old faced just 12 months earlier while with Adelaide as the Reds, grand finalists the previous season, had a torturous start to the season.
They won just one of their first five matches and never recovered as they went on to finish with the wooden spoon for the first time in the club's history.
While acknowledging Sydney had to turn their form around quickly, Jamieson denied confidence was an issue within the camp and was adamant (they were) better equipped than the Reds were last year to salvage the season.
"Obviously what I went through last year with Adelaide I can honestly say it's a different feeling here," Jamieson said on Thursday.
"The team spirit, the confidence is here, whereas last year with Adelaide we did suffer a bit."
"I'm fortunate enough to have done that last year and know what it's about and I can honestly say it's not a dip in confidence."
"It's just a few things that haven’t gone right for us."
Asked what specific differences there were between the two clubs, Jamieson said: "Adelaide is a fantastic club and professionally run but I think with Sydney, the support in terms of backroom and stuff like that is a lot better."
"It's just due to finances and I guess the city of Sydney."
"We're working hard to try and fix things and hopefully on Saturday we'll get the three points."
"For us there were a lot of positives to come from the game against Central Coast so it will be looked upon to build on that now."
But Jamieson knows it won't be an easy task coming up against his former club at the SFS on Saturday.
The Reds have been the surprise packet of the competition over the first month, playing an attractive brand of football under new boss Rini Coolen that has them undefeated and equal first alongside Perth Glory.
While most experts tipped them to struggle this season, Jamieson said he's not surprised by their bright start.
"We (Adelaide) weren’t a bad team last year it was just unfortunate a few things went wrong," he said.
"This year they've got a new manager in charge and I think the ball's bouncing their way and they've had that bit of luck."
"They're a very good team; nothing's changed from last year but the ball's just bouncing their way."
"So there are no surprises for me because they are a good team but it's a long season."
"I think it's always good games against Adelaide...from being on (the) other side it was always a daunting game to come to Sydney and I'm sure they'll be on their toes and on their game."
Sydney FC coach Vitezslav Lavicka confirmed on Thursday, star striker Alex Brosque (ankle) and skipper Terry McFlynn (hamstring) were no chance of returning to take on the Reds.
It's understood the pair won't be available again until the club's next home match against