Shez wants a good start

John Sheridan has been telling of his hopes for the coming season which kicks off on Saturday with the visit of Swansea City. He told the official website, "I'm hoping we can get off to a good start, because we didn't last year. I want the lads to be confident and full of belief they can do well in this division. A good start is important because it's common knowledge that, whoever you are, teams always have a bad run in a season. We started badly last year, then went on a good run, then had a dip, another good run and another dip, so it's important we get points on the board as soon as possible. Then we'll be able to afford a dip in form when it eventually does come as we'll already have points in the bag."

"We've got a difficult first game, but it's at home and we have to be aiming for three points. Swansea are quite similar to ourselves in that they've brought a number of players in, and I still think they're very strong. They are a big club and will be there or thereabouts at the end of the season. It'll be a tough game, but it's important we go in there and get the result we want. We're at home so we'll be taking the game to them and they will have to deal with us. I'm only going to think about us and what we're doing."

"Pre-season was going pretty well and we didn't have any injuries, but we seem to have picked a couple up recently. There's nothing I can do about that, though. They're not my department and hopefully Lee Nobes can get them back as soon as possible. All I can concentrate on is getting the best team I can out on the pitch with the players I have available."

The absence of Stam and Lomax leaves a question mark over the left back spot. With Lomax and Stam out Shez's only problem seens to be the left back spot. He went on, "Chris Taylor can play there, John Thompson can play there and I can change my system. I'm not reading too much into it, yes I haven't got a natural left back but I'm not worried and I've got one or two things up my sleeve. If I can get someone in I will."