THE SADDLERS start our npower League One campaign where we left off the previous season by playing host to MK Dons on Saturday, August 7th.

"It's always nice to start the season at home," said assistant manager, Martin O'Connor. "Any first game of the season is tough, whether it be at home or away, but hopefully we can continue our good run of opening day results.

"MK Dons will be strong this year and they will be determined to improve on last season's performance, which saw them fall away towards the end having been in and around the play-off places. The arrival of Dietmar Hamann as player-coach will be a big boost to them, but we are looking forward to the game.

"It will be good for the fans if we can get off to a winning start on home soil and we are already focussed on getting ourselves right for the game.

"We are looking forward to pitting our wits against some big sides in League One this year as we aim to continue the progress that we have made. On top of that we also want to do well in the Cup competitions and we are pleased to have been handed a home draw in the first round of the Carling Cup.

"Once the fixtures are out it really whets the appetite for the new season and I can't wait for things to start up again."