Well, Roy - the start of the season is here - how do you feel?

I can't wait for it to start. It is forty years since I started in the game, signing for Tranmere Rovers and making my debut at Prenton Park; it doesn't seem like yesterday but it is forty years ago and here I am; still in it, still loving it and looking forward to Saturday.

How have the preparations gone?

I've been pleased with them; we couldn't get the opposition we wanted for another home game but with the game we played and the work we've done, I've been very, very pleased. A major plus is the way the three young players - Jamie Lowry, Jamie Jackson and Reuben Wiggins-Thomas - have adapted and worked hard. Normally they can find it tough, just after they sign pro or start training with the pros, but they've handled that side of it very well, listening to what the coaches and pros have to say, and their footballing contribution has been excellent.

It would be a bonus if they can be in contention straight away in what is a small squad?

It is a small squad, and we've had a few knocks and niggles, which is normal for pre-season. Two of our injured men - Alex Bailey and Adam Smith - have trained with the first team this season, which is promising. Blathers has had a sore calf, so we pulled him out of training, and we need to build it up again. The Specialist has spoken to Shane about his knee, and he just needs to push on with his training, now. Shane has been worried about it but the Specialist has said that it is ok to step things up.

How do you see the Bournemouth game?

We've done quite well there over the past few seasons. Its quite a big pitch, and we might be able to use that to our advantage. Bournemouth always play decent football and have something up their sleeves for set pieces.

Chesterfield have enjoyed mixed fortunes at the start of recent seasons. How important are the first few games?

August as a whole is quite a busy month. We got off to a good start last season but fell away. I think it is important to look at the month as a whole; the more games we win early on the more confident the players will feel.

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