THE LADS have worked hard during the pre-season and are now ready and raring to go for the start of the new campaign.

I have been pleased with the application and work-rate that they have displayed. We have added a nice blend of youth and experience to those players already here and I am delighted with the way in which the new lads have settled in.

Having such an excellent facility as the training ground has helped to develop the bond.

Everyone starts the season with the same ambition. We want to make progress on last year and play the right way. We've managed to get more energy and legs in the team this year and I feel that I am starting to stamp my authority on the way I want us to play.

We've set the standards and it's a case of being able to maintain them and achieve the desired level of consistency over what is a long and hard season.

There are some big clubs in League One and some nice venues. We have to make sure that we do ourselves justice at these places.

We know only too well that it is going to be a tough season. Clubs such as Charlton Athletic, Norwich City, Southampton and Leeds United were members of the top-flight not so long ago and they are joined by the likes of Millwall and Huddersfield Town who will also be strong.

Saturday's opponents, Brighton have also spent some money this summer. They have assembled a strong squad and like myself, Russell Slade is starting to make his mark at the club.

We go there open-minded, ready to do a job. It will be a matter of trying to stop them playing and playing whenever we can. I'm sure that they will be saying the same.

A positive start will breed confidence and we will be hoping to start as we mean to go on.

I would like to thank those supporters who will be making the trip and look forward to your backing throughout the season ahead.

CHRIS HUTCHINGS