Lee Hodges and Chris Todd have been extremely busy during the close-season assembling their squad, for the forthcoming campaign, and I have been excited with the signings to date. I certainly do believe that Lee is in a far better position now because he has had the opportunity to bring in his own squad of players and not inherited ones.

You will have seen from the pictures on the web-site that the squad have `enjoyed some seaside training` and hopefully with the rest of the work that is going on it will make us a fitter squad.

We open the new campaign with a home game against Welling United, a week on Saturday, and it would be great to see a big crowd turn up to cheer the lads on. I think it`s always good to start the season at home on the first day and more importantly to start with a win. I remember last season that we went 2-0 up early on against Chelmsford City but were pegged back and in the end had to settle for a point from a 2-2 draw but hopefully we can go one better against what will be a much changed Welling United side. They have had a change of manager during the summer and an influx of new players and they will surely be looking for a return to the National League at the earliest opportunity.

It would be nice to get off to a winning start because it would set us up nicely for the two away trips that follow. We are quickly back in action on Monday 7th August when travel to face Gloucester City. Please note that any City fan travelling to this game that you travel to Evesham United Football Club which is where the Tigers will be playing their home games this season. City have been switched over from the National League North and could be one of the dark-horses in the new season. On the following Saturday we face the long trip to Concord Rangers to complete the first week of the season.

Off the field Treyew Road has had a bit of a spring clean and I would like to thank everyone who have given up their time since the end of April for their valuable help. Like most clubs at this level we are reliant on volunteers so anyone reading this article, who would like to volunteer their help then please get in touch with me. It can be very rewarding and you get to meet some lovely people.

I am pleased to confirm that JJ Sports Promotions Ltd are undertaking some commercial work on behalf of the club so if you get Terry Brumpton approach you with his `Midland accent` then don`t be alarmed it is all above board.

I will keep you all updated with news as we go along and I hope to see as many of you as possible for the first game here against Welling United.