James Dunne is itching to get the boots on and get some minutes in the tank against Swindon Supermarine today.
Town open their pre-season campaign at the Webbs Wood Stadium later (3pm Kick-Off) and the midfielder is looking forward to pulling on a Swindon shirt for the very first time.
“I’m really looking forward to it,” he told swindontownfc.co.uk exclusively.
“The training is good but the match fitness is what you need and playing games is only going to help that, so I’m looking forward to getting out there.
“The first couple of games of pre-season are always going to be tough because you are getting to know new players and also you are getting used to being back playing games.
“Training has been really good but it is not the same as a matchday, but I’m really looking forward to the game this afternoon.”
Town have been back in pre-season training for over a week now and Dunne has been impressed by how quickly old and new faces have gelled together.
“I’ve really enjoyed it and I’ve got to know the boys more,” he continued.
“The training is good but the match fitness is what you need and playing games is only going to help that, so I’m looking forward to getting out there."
“We’ve been getting our fitness up and the training has been really good so far. We’ve done our runs and we’ve also integrated the ball into it, which is obviously good because sometimes you don’t see a ball in pre-season for a couple of weeks.
“The gaffer has made his point from day one of pre-season and the intensity has been really good.
“He has always said that he is going to be bringing good players in and he’s certainly done that.
“Chris Hussey signed on Friday and he’s an unbelievable signing. To get someone with his ability is fair play to the gaffer.
“The boys that the gaffer has brought in have all been in changing rooms before and they are experienced.
“It has been good to get to know the boys and we are a close-knit group, which is what the gaffer wants.”
Tickets can be bought on the turnstile for today’s game and admission prices are £8 for adults and U11’s go free.
