I’VE just about finished my first pre-season as the director of football and it’s been really good.

I’ve been able to take in a lot and I’ve had some positive feedback.

I’ve tried my best to get to as many of the first-team, Chippenham Park and Chippenham Park Reserves games as possible and I’ve also been there to watch all of the teams train too.

Dave Ferris and Gary Williamson have managed to get great numbers of 35 or 40 to training for the second and third teams and they’ve worked them hard.

They’ve even done extra sessions on Saturday mornings.

They’ve had players drop down to join from Western League clubs and it’s all about trying to get them up in to that league as soon as possible to bridge the gap to the first team.

Mark Nolan has scored a lot of goals in pre-season for the second team and the likes of Shane Blackmore and Ryan Campbell have also impressed.

It all bodes well for the future.

Nathan (Rudge) and Rich (Fey) have brought in some fresh ideas to the first team and all the players have been receptive.

They’ve made some good signings and I think the fans can be enthused about what they’re going to see this season.

Scott Rogers will be a great addition with his attitude and the experience that Lee Phillips will bring will also be key.

Luke Ballinger has also been a revelation in pre-season with the way he’s trained and played.

For me, I’ll always be taking in a game throughout the season but that might be to cast my eye over the local talent that’s out there.