Terry Hawkridge believes Scunthorpe have got to be on their game if they are to claim three points against Swindon at the weekend.
The Iron travel to the County Ground on the opening day of the new campaign, following United’s promotion from League Two last season.Swindon finished eighth last season and Hawkridge said getting three points would be a good start.
“I just think we have got to play our game,” Hawkridge told The Iron Player.
“We’re good at passing, we’re solid and we work hard so if we take that into the game then I think we will be fine."
He added: “They are a good side and it would be a very good place to get three points, so hopefully we can go and do that.”
Scunthorpe only lost one of their eight pre-season games and Hawkridge said that will boost confidence against Swindon, but doesn’t think the Iron should read too much into it.
“Every win gives you confidence,” Hawkridge said.
“But pre-season is a bit different to when the league starts, so we don’t want to go in too confident because Swindon are going to be better than how pre-season has gone. I just think we have to play our game and worry about ourselves.”
Hawkridge signed for the Iron last summer and cannot wait to play his first season in the third tier, whilst he also reflected on how the team has bonded over pre-season.
He continued: “Every league you step up into, you’re always excited and for me obviously it was my first year in League Two and we got promotion. Now we’re in League One and that is massive for me. Hopefully I can play games and help the team pick up points.”
He added: “Last year it was just a case of getting use to things as it was all new to me. This year has gone great. A lot of bonding at Champneys. The lads are looking fit and ready for Saturday!
“It’s great to get as many as you can stay from last season, obviously after a promotion. You’ve got your bonding and your gelling and it’s still here. We’ve got a few new lads but they’ve come straight in and they’ve gelled just as well so it’s great and looking good.”
See much more from Terry Hawkridge, and others, on The Iron Player.