Prior to the squad's training session before departing for Carlisle, Westside 89.6FM & BFCCST's Luis Melville asked some of the squad their thoughts on the upcoming season.
Kevin O'Connor'The squad are feeling very good and looking forward to it. It's been a long pre-season and it gets harder and harder each year. I think we've played well in our last 2 pre-season games and hopefully we can take that into our games at the start of the season. The new signings have settled in very well and there's plenty of banter flying around. It's all looking very positive. Ultimately we are looking to better last season's finish and get ourselves into the play offs at least. We're cautiously optimistic.'
Simon Moore
'I think my pre-season has gone really well. I'm pleased the gaffer has given me the opportunity to play the games and it's been fantastic to play against some good quality sides. My personal goal is to try and push Richard for that number 1 spot. Although I think I have started well I am going to continue to work hard with Roycey and Rich who are both great guys. I am sure I will learn a lot from them both to give myself every chance. We've signed a lot of good players and everyone is now excited about the start of the new season.'
Marcus Bean
'After last season which was a bit stop start for me due to injury, my main aim is to stay fit. I've got to crack on with my rehab to give myself a chance to play as many games as possible. I feel in great shape as I've has quite a few 90 minutes in pre-season. I am just raring to go. We are gearing up to try and get into the top 6. We need to start well and maintain that start to keep us in with a chance.'
David McCracken
'I think we have done the hard work, got a few games under our belts and I think we're ready for it now. It's just a case now of getting started and progressing into the season. The pre-season games have been vital in giving the new players a chance to settle into the team and get to know the other players. It may take a few games for us to get to settle down but hopefully that is something we can do quickly. It's not unusual for most clubs to have quite a few players leave and come in so it is part of what goes on in football. With the club doing well last season after achieving promotion as Champions and possibly surprising a few people as well you have to look to continually improve. Our aim has to be, step on from last year.'
Nicky Forster
I am happy to still be playing and there are less and less players of my age still playing. My goals are no different to when I was 21. If I can get 10 goals by Christmas and a further 10 by the end of the season then a 20 goal return is not bad for a striker. I am always aiming for that. (Nicky is asked about his odds at 25-1 for the League 1 Golden Boot) There are some good players in this league and the top scorers are hitting 30 plus. I should imagine Ricky Lambert will be favourite. I don't think it's necessarily matters who scores the most goals it's a team thing. If we can realise our potential which we believe we have a lot of then it will be a good season. First and foremost we are looking to improve on last season and then a top 6 finish. That is our focus. We are not saying in any way or form that we are going to run away and win the league but we are quietly confident. The season will take a couple of weeks to settle down and we are going up to Carlisle in a positive frame of mind.
