We welcome Collingham FC to Watnall road on Saturday for our opening CML game - I don't really know a great deal about our visitors other than they did very well at Intermediate youth level but I expect them to be a bright footballing side and wish them well in their new venture in senior football.

We started two season's ago in the same way by bringing youngsters to the club and the progression will hopefully be carried on this season.

Our pre-season was very encouraging having beaten sides one and two levels higher and against Carlton and Worksop Town our first half performances until the usual changes augured well for the new season especially as we could not field our strongest side in any game.

Obviously expectations will be high anyway after finishing fourth in the league and winning the league cup, my job will be to keep everyone's feet firmly on the ground and focused for what will be a longer seasons and there are six or seven clubs who will be in the promotion hunt so it will be tough.

We should have everyone back from holidays by the time we play Linby in our third game but cementing places starts on Saturday against Collingham FC.

Sadly Josh Henry joined James Rigg on the long term injury list but knowing Josh and James they will work hard to get back and be a boost when they are.

The club as gone from strength to strength over the last six months and there is a positive vibe around the place - made possible by the hard work done behind the scenes by a small dedicated band of volunteers.

Stevo and Matt, Lee and Adam are doing well with the youngsters in our reserves and U19's respectively and I wish them all a good season.

The support last season was without doubt the best in the league both in numbers and vocal support and we hope to build on this, the lads really do appreciate it.

So here's to Saturday!!

Best Wishes

Andy G.