“We’re looking forward to it, and are pleased it’s finally here,” said manager Paul Hurst as he previewed Saturday’s League Two season opener against Swindon Town (3pm kick-off) for iFollow Iron.
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United get the new campaign underway with a home clash against Richie Wellens’ side at the Sands Venue Stadium this weekend, and Hurst is hoping his team can carry on where they left off in last weekend’s impressive 2-0 pre-season friendly victory over last season’s League Two champions Lincoln City.
“We had a relatively good pre-season and have started to see the players take on board some of what we’re looking for,” the boss explained.
“We finished last weekend with a good performance against Lincoln and will be trying for more of the same in a game where it really matters. We’ll be trying to get off to a good start, especially at home.
“Swindon have some good players as you’d expect and there are two in particular who I think will carry threats, but realistically you expect that from everyone you play.
“Whoever you’re playing against, they’re going to approach it with enthusiasm and will work hard. It’s difficult to call (with it being the first game), and it’s harder to prepare for in terms of how they’ll line up, but I do think we have a good idea from having watched the pre-season games and we’ll prepare a certain way.
“The focus is on us but we’ll always respect the opposition and do our homework as best as we can.”
Hurst went on to explain: “I have the starting eleven in mind now, and we just need to have a little think about the bench. The players will know the team on Friday, while the bench will be announced on Saturday.
“There are two decisions, in truth, that have been the hardest. It’s never easy but that’s credit to the players who have put in good performances to give me those choices to make.
“The ones that get the nod will be pleased, while the ones who haven’t will naturally be disappointed, but at the same time it’s a long season and there’s a good chance they will get their opportunity at some stage, and that could come sooner rather than later, so they have to be professional, get behind the lads who are in the team, and be ready to step forward when called upon.”
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