Head Coach Steven Schumacher is eager to get Wanderers’ Sky Bet League One campaign underway, as his side travel to Stockport County for Sunday’s opening fixture live on Sky Sports.
After a productive summer on the training ground and in the transfer market, Schumacher believes his squad are in good shape — but admits nothing compares to competitive action.
“I'm looking forward to it,” he said.
“It's been a long off-season and an equally long pre-season. We feel that we’ve done some good work, we’ve brought in some new players to the squad.
“We’ve got some messages across to the players which is what we wanted to do. We’ve had some good performances in the pre-season games but the real stuff starts on Sunday — and that's what everyone's looking forward to.”
While there's still potential for more movement in the market, the Head Coach is confident the team are in a strong place heading into the weekend.
“We still think there's room for us to do a little bit more business if we can, but we're happy enough with the squad that we've got. We've got players in decent form, and we've got competition for places in all areas — so from that point of view, it's been good."
Facing local side Stockport in front of the Sky Sports cameras adds an extra edge to the opening fixture — and the boss expects a tight contest against a team who finished in the Play-Offs last term.
"Pre-season games serve a purpose. You can never read too much into the results or performances, because the pressure and intensity isn’t the same.
“On Sunday at Stockport, it’ll be a completely different atmosphere. Two teams who everyone expects to be challenging again in this division. It’ll be a tight game — and I’m really looking forward to it.
“Getting drawn on the opening day against a local rival adds a bit of excitement. They were really strong last year, and they pose a challenge. We go there with confidence and belief that we can get a good result and put in a good performance.”
Whilst full of respect for Sunday’s opponents, Schumacher insists the focus will remain on what his side can bring to the table.
“They’re a strong outfit, loads of decent players, loads of momentum. Incredibly well coached, experienced manager — they can change systems mid-game and adapt well, so we have to be ready for that.
“But we’ve prepared our players as best we can. We’ve been focused on what we need to do. The players are in good form and they’ll be ready. It’s a great occasion and a great chance to go out and show what we’ve been working on.”
In terms of availability, Charlie Warren is back in contact training after his wrist injury and Steven Schumacher has the same group of players available from last week's win over Preston North End.
“No new injuries from last week. We’ve got Charlie Warren back in contention — he’s trained this week after his wrist injury against Barrow. We’re a little bit stronger from that point of view.
“And obviously we signed Mason and Ethan this week, so they’ll be ready to contribute as well.”
As ever, there’ll be strong support from the stands — something the boss never takes for granted.
"The message is like it always will be — thanks for all your support, and enjoy the ride. Let’s hope it’s a good one.”