Phil Gulliver

Corby Town skipper Phil Gulliver feels that the Steelmen are as prepared as they can be for the new Blue Square Bet North season, which starts in West Yorkshire on Saturday against FC Halifax Town.

Speaking to BBC Radio Northampton Gulliver said: “We are ready for new season, following a very good pre season. We played three top teams in the new stadium and things are going really well so far.

“We have had a good measure from within ourselves over pre-season, with regards to our progress as a team. We are confident however we aren’t going to getting complacent. We have played teams from a higher level in Notts County, Stevenage and Luton, sides that pass the ball a lot, but we will have to adapt back to Blue Square Bet North football for the weekend.

“I’m sure against Halifax on Saturday there will be much more of an aerial and physical battle than we have had in pre-season, but we are ready for it."

Gulliver has also enjoyed his first taste of Steel Park, and feels that the stadium has given everyone at the club a huge lift at just the right time.

“Everyone is on a high, anybody who came to the Rockingham Triangle last season will know that the pitch was poor, it was very bobbly and not easy to play attractive football on. The new pitch, new stadium and even the new kit has breeded optimism amongst the fans and players ahead of the new season.

“The team we are putting together is a talented, young, fit squad so we are all looking forward to the season full of optimism. There is a great feeling in the camp and we cannot wait to get started.”

Despite the confidence, Corby’s skipper could not pinpoint who he felt would be the league’s front runner’s this season.

“I couldn’t tell you who is going to win the Blue Square Bet North this season, there were two very good sides and big clubs in AFC Telford and Alfreton Town last year who both went up. This year is another very tough prospect as teams who were strong last year have added to their sides, and  obviously the likes of Halifax will be strong, Boston have spent a lot of money putting their side together and there are a few others who could prove potential contenders.

“I think at this level its all about consistency over the season, whoever manages that will be in with a great chance. There is always a surprise package every season, but it is hard to call.”

With Gulliver set to lead his side out next Wednesday in the club’s first ever competitive match at Steel Park, he spoke of his excitement:

“ can’t wait to play first game in Steel Park. We opened the stadium against Notts County and had a good crowd in for the match. It was a great night, and I just hope we can get a similar crowd, performance and result to secure our first three points at the stadium next Wednesday.”