THE start of the season is here and like every player, I'm as excited now as I was when I began my career.
Back when I was younger, I was more nervous on the opening day, but those nerves have gone.
I'm more experienced and realise the importance of getting off to a good start.
Regardless of how teams got on the season before, everyone starts on zero points.
At 3pm, everyone is filled with optimism but that bubble can be burst within 90 minutes.
You never know when this will be your last season so you appreciate these days more and more.
I still feel I've got two or three seasons left in me and when my fitness leaves me and it affects the team, that's when I'll hang my boots up.
But that's not on my mind for a while and I'm quietly confident this squad of players can have a good season. We've had a very good pre-season with some very good results.
We are certainly ready to get our season started at Stockport County.
I've played them a few times and they still have a good following and fan base.
They will expect to be there or thereabouts this season.
The first 10 games will shape the season and we'll be looking to be in the top half pushing to be in the top six.
The lads look fit and we have plenty of options throughout the squad which will serve us well throughout the season.
After the first 10 matches we'll have a gauge for who will be the teams to beat.
The start of the season is all about getting wins and points on the board and we'll take any win at Stockport today.
There is always a buzz in the changing room as to who will score the first goal of the season. The strikers want it to be them, but depending on the formation we play, I might sneak one.
