A CAMPAIGN is generally viewed as a marathon in football circles but Andy King is looking to his new-look side to make a sprint start in the quest for League One honours.

The manager admits he would be a very happy man if the first week of the season was to yield seven points.

King was in positive mood as the team headed north today and having already seen Barnsley in pre-season, they will be shown respect but no fear.

The Town boss said: "If we can pull seven points out of nine in the next week, then fine.

"The so-called bookies favourites don't have to be up there. I think we have enough quality when I look round the team. We have to find the other elements that go with the game of football, the commitment and the luck.

"I'm confident that if the little things go in our favour and we get a good start to the season, anything's possible."

King is optimistic but also realistic and knows nothing can be taken for granted.

He said: "I'm happy with what I've brought in, happy with way they've knitted together, the belief seems to be there and they're lively in training.

"What happens in this game though is that it kicks you in the teeth.What we have to do is avoid that kick in the teeth at the weekend. This is a big week of any season.

"We all talk about Christmas and Easter but the start to the season is big. If you're looking upwards from early doors, it's very, very hard.

"I'm not one of those managers that tries to convince everyone that it doesn't matter about the start."

As for the first match against Andy Ritchie's Tykes, King knows it will be a test but one Town are capable of passing.

He said: "I've seen Barnsley and Oldham.

"They didn't scare the life out of me. They were organised but I didn't see anything that terrified me."

On the injury front goalkeeper Rhys Evans will play at Oakwell although further exploration may be necessary on his injured knee.

The results of a scan have proved inconclusive.

Christian Roberts is in the Town squad after an x-ray showed no signs of a break on his right foot.