This review will have to be split into 2 parts as I am writing this after finding out that our season opener has been cancelled. 24 hours later and we still haven't been notified of this by email and at risk of repeating my rant on social media, I'll just say this...

In 13 seasons in and around this level of football I've never, not once, not had a game on opening day. It's ruined pre season and took the shine off a year I was really looking forward to. We're starting on the back foot already and with lots of negativity and no doubt needle with other clubs who are allowed to get away with beginning their season's after everyone else.

It's about time the league was harsher on teams that do this. Better still why not trim down to 14 teams and the season start at the end of August? Clubs like ours (with their own ground and floodlights) are being made to play irregular fixtures, particularly in midweek, to accommodate these clubs.

Some months last year we had free Saturday's but were made to play 8 games in August. None of it makes sense, particularly as there are Saturdays between the start date and the first Saturday in May. With only 17 teams in the league that leaves 8 spare Saturdays for Christmas, postponements or cup fixtures. How can there be free Saturday's?

We move on! Friendlies have been what they are at this level. No two sides the same, new players being added every week and a healthy retained list. We have lost our entire back four though from last season, one to retirement and the other 3 to higher level football. So this year we will be much changed.

I have to say we're in a much better place than last pre season. As we expected to be , but still, I feel we have a buzz about the place again and think we can massively improve on last season's league finish.

We have added vital experience to our squad. Taking nothing away from some of the young lads that played last year, they were all good footballers, but this year we are signing men which will bring a different dimension to our play. More on the new signings next week, look out for our player announcements after our friendly game this evening.

Tonight's match will feature many of our new signings. We are hosting a Chesterfield FC U21s team that will provide us with our last competitive test before the season starts....... (Hopefully next week!) ???

#CookOut