I think I mentioned last week about how much I detest pre-season, and this growing injury list at GP has proven my point.

Must say, it's nice to slam four past the Cods, who are going to struggle in League Two big time, but with approaching half a dozen players now fighting for fitness, it isn't half frustrating.

We all know that players need to prepare for the season and as a squad, the gaffer needs to have them singing from the same hymn sheet.

However, when four or five of your first choice starters pick up knocks - that is disruptive in its self - so which is the lesser of two evils?

Gary Hooper is of course one of those, who picked up a knock - but that did come after a cracking showing against League Two's whipping boys.

He looks to have all the credentials to take over and possibly better the exploits of the departed Martin Paterson.

Quite who he will partner against Leeds for the season opener is a debate we could have long into the night.

Will it be Paul Hayes on the basis of his exploits from the end of last season, or Jonathan Forte who has found his scoring touch in pre-season?

That assumes of course that all three won't start the same game!!

Ben May was of course taken off as a precaution on Saturday, so we have seen nothing really of him in pre-season so its a waiting game on him, while Garry Thompson was withdrawn before kick-off after injuring himself doing some weights.

I personally can't wait to see Thommo in a competitive game for the club, I think he has all the attributes to be a great success.

I have to say that I have read some message board comments about this lad who joined us ahead of many other clubs having left his comfort zone at Morecombe.

We are all entitled to our opinions on the players and the club, but to start having a pop at Thommo before a competitive ball is kicked is nothing short of ridiculous and I suggest strongly the mischief makers wind their necks in and try and get behind their side.

If form is patchy during the season - fine, make comment. But to have a go at the boy on the basis of a few pre-season friendly minutes is a little short sighted in my opinion.

I do get the impression that certain onlookers would like nothing more than to see us as a club fail. Most of us, I think it is fair to say, whould much rather see a side challenging this campaign - which with the right backing and a bit of luck, is more than a possibility.

Must say of the other pre-season signings Kenny Milne has impressed me. Like I said a couple of weeks ago, I had never heard of this lad before he signed but he has not put a foot wrong so far.

True, the harder tests are to follow, but in replacing Andy Butler he has done all he can do to show the manager has done a great job in finding someone to fill his boots.

I do still think the squad is one or two players light. Andy Wright is looking to take his chance in midfield following the departure of Jim Goodwin, and the gaffer has made no secret of the fact that he wants a new midfielder in there to challenge.

There was mention this week in the Telegraph of the club wanting Jack Cork back. Unfortunately, I can't see it happening myself, but I would be delighted to be wrong on this one, although it may now be pushing it to suggest that a new face or two will be in the building before the big kick-off, so we may well have to go with what we have to hand.

So, its a case of fingers crossed that the treatment room is a little less full by the weekend, Leeds are no mugs and will be coming here trying to put down a marker for the season.

It's going to be a big crowd at GP, lets raise the roof for once, get behind Nige and the players and get three points on the board early doors and set our own agenda for the season, starting with beating the title favourites.