With the 09/10  season only around 48 hours away there seems to be a real sense of optimism at the club , something probably not envisaged at the end of last season. A good pre season and  decent player recruitment under very difficult circumstances have brought about a renewed vigour to get the campaign underway.

Many believe pre season results are not always a good indication of how a season will go , but I feel especially when blending in so many new players it is important to get a momentum going as quickly as possible , be that on the pitch and with a bonding in the dressing room . Cheltenham seem to have done that with some positive results against clubs from a higher division (take out the Birmingham result) and what will prove to be a  valuable squad building exercise at the Army camp a couple of weeks ago. In my time at the club we  went to Gottingen  in Germany for a week which always proved to be a success with fantastic training facilities and the chance to just concentrate on the football and help bring any new lads into the fold .

Pre season is vital to get players up to a certain fitness level to carry and build on into the opening games of the season , where without doubt the intensity of games increases . With such a small squad too , its also a must to keep players fit during this period where a good aerobic base is absolutely essential . At the time of writing there haven’t been too many serious problems and the squad looks to be in very good health and spirits . 

Having been through nearly 20 pre seasons myself , some good  some bad , there is always a sense of anticipation and apprehension when that first game comes around and in all dressing rooms I’ve been in the one and only factor for any club is to get those first points on the board to get the campaign up and running. For me this is particularly essential this coming season to get rid of any hangover from the last one and  dismiss any general club / fan doubts about what happened previously . Many times there have been clubs who have suffered again after experiencing relegation and for me the need to get points on the board early will be the greatest priority . This I’m sure will happen .

The major factor here for me is the player recruitment where a good blend of youth and experience has come through the doors over the past 4  weeks . The squad looks solid defensively with most of last seasons back players still there , Diallo , Duff and Townsend will provide the solidity at the back centrally , ably assisted by  , Lee Ridley and the versatile Andy Gallinagh and Dave Bird if required .

This applies too in central midfield with Bird , Michael Pook and Gallinagh giving that part a solid look . However there will be a big emphasis on the wide players and the forwards to provide the spark needed to make the difference , as we have lost players like Finnigan and Russell who provided drive and craft centrally . Hutton looks to have the ability and it would be nice to see him produce on a regular basis in what will be his first full pro season I believe . Essential to this forward part of the side will be Barry Hayles and how many games and minutes he can play. His experience to those in and around him will prove vital in the coming months as will that of a good friend of mine Julian Alsop who is back at the club . I was the first to text him with some banter expressing my surprise which he took in his usual laid back way . A player of that size will prove a welcome addition to any forward line . If quality crosses are put in to dangerous areas he will be a big threat to opposing defences and occupy defenders which will lead to space for others . Defensively big Jules also provides excellent cover aswell particularly when defending set plays . With Hammond , Denton and Richards in the mix too , I think here there is good competition for places and a blend of differing attributes and experience.   All in all this points to a very promising season despite all the previous doom and gloom from relegation , player departures and the financial restrictions in place.

Much of the above can be  said for Cheltenham’s opponents on Saturday ,  Grimsby , who endured a tough season , narrowly avoiding relegation . They will have a very similar outlook to the start of the season as Cheltenham , with early points on the board essential to dispel any negativity around their club . Up front , in particular they are very experienced with Barry Conlon  , Adrian Forbes and Adam Proudlock hoping to provide the goals . I ‘m sure any two from these will give captain Duff and co a stern testing afternoon.

With the BBC  contract being renewed between the  clubs and local radio stations for the forthcoming  season , I will be commentating on the majority of  Cheltenham’s away games , something which has been difficult to do over the past 2 or 3 years with the squad struggling to gain much success in a higher division . Lets hope that changes this season .