It's going to be a long hard season even without all the off field distractions, only time will tell where will be this time next year. A draw today would be good, a win would be beyond expectation, either way I shall be listening out for the result.

Bring on the footy I say. At last. Unfortunately as it is my birthday weekend I won't even be able to watch Grandstand on here as I will be out in wildest West Wales celebrating. Just hope the County can get a result today but unfortunately I am not feeling very confident. I will be delighted to be wrong. Cmon the County!

I'm feeling rather pessimistic too. Probably one of our hardest games of the season today. I know pre-season friendlies are about getting fit, but just look at Mansfield's friendlies compared to ours. Hope I'm wrong.

For the sake of balance I am feeling positive.

Defence is consistent from last year, hoping MOB can stay fit and we keep hold of mickey d and butler come January. Finally we have decent cover/competition for pipe.

Midfield we have options, hopefully with crofts protecting defence it gives freedom to sheehan, bakinson and KMB to create. The biggest thing for me is that I hope we learn from last year and get more than a one goal lead and not invite teams onto us. Hopefully crofts experience can solve that.

Attack, Amond starts every game for me, its a question of who supports him... But we have more fire power and hopefully more goals from midfield.

1-1 today will be a good result, anything else a bonus. Good time to play Mansfield, everybody is an unknown quantity this time of year.