We lost two players from last years squad (Mark Corbett & Barry Parker – both strikers) but have managed to bring in five new additions. Stuart Green, Clive Hibbert, Paul Preston, Dave Wing and Ian Linney who was with us towards the end of last year but only played two games due to injury. This brings much needed competition for places in the squad and obviously more quality. We also have Richard Mealey close to returning after nearly 18 months out, again another bonus. On the whole, all the players have reacted well to what’s been asked of them in the sessions. From a coaching point of view players like Paul Preston and Stuart Green are a coaches dream as they a full of energy and character but still not quite the finished article, it gives me something to work with. Also it helps massively that they, and for that matter a lot of the current squad are more than willing to learn.

It’s been a mixed pre-season friendly programme with good performances against both Aldershot Town and Godalming Town, lots to be positive about. With the exception of AFC Totton the other games were really games which we were always going to win, and it was more about learning our shape, what the new players are about and trying out set pieces. AFC Totton gave us a hiding which was always likely to happen, although we let ourselves down by not really competing.

Looking ahead to the Moneyfields game. It couldn’t come sooner to be honest and we are going into it full of confidence. We will be missing one or two influential players due to unavailability and injury but on the whole with one more session on Thursday night I think we will be there or there about. It's important that the players have the same level of confidence that I have for this game, they need to play without fear and concentrate on all the things that we have been feeding them throughout pre-season. As with a lot of the mid table sides, as we are, it’s always difficult to hit the ground running on the first day especially with four or five new players. However, I think we are in as good a shape as we possibly could be and the whole squad is looking forward to the new campaign.''