The Vics are gearing up for a season in the Conference after gaining promotion last year.

Here's what Jon had to say...

What have you been up to over the summer?

"I teach sports science at the academy so I haven't had any time off yet because it is getting towards the end of the term. I am hoping to get a week off, but I have got three kids so it won't too peaceful!

Did you watch the World Cup?

"I was very disappointed with England. We have been playing pre-seasons in the heat so I know what they were up against and it can't have been easy for them. Overall there was no real big team who stood out.

I thought Argentina might turn out to be one of the great ones after the way they started, but they didn't. Brazil didn't really turn up either. I was expecting Ronaldinho and others to shine and they didn't really. Even so there were over 60 games in four weeks - great!"

How has your pre-season gone so far?

"It has gone really well so far. The lads are all back and we are getting into the swing of it. The heat is a bit of a problem, but hopefully that will stand us in good stead for the rest of the season. We have played a few games already and everyone is raring to get going."

What new players have you got in over the close season?

"We have got five new players. The most important thing was to keep the better players that we had from last season too and the gaffer has managed that. The new players are all very good and we should be a lot stronger this season

Which players are the ones to watch at your club?

Kieran Charnock and Michael Carr have both played in the non-league side and they are very good players. Paul Brayson scores a few goals for us and is always worth keeping an eye on."

Are you looking forward to the new season?

"I am. We played some good football last season, scored a lot of goals and got a brand new stadium. There is a really good feeling about the club. There are a lot of teams playing full-time and we need to see if we can get amongst them and break into the top half of the table. We don't want to be messing around at the bottom."

What grounds are you looking forward to visiting?

"I am looking forward to going to York because it is one of my former clubs and I never thought I would get to play there again. I played there for four or five years and I am looking forward to getting back to Yorkshire"

Who is your tip to win the league?

"All the teams that came down are always going to be difficult to beat because they will have a strong sides. Grays won The FA Trophy again and looked good towards the end. A dip in the middle of the season cost them. It will also be good to see how Burton do after their FA Cup run.

What are your personal ambitions for the season?

"I am hoping to play a significant part of the season. I am up against a lot of younger lads and I want to force my way into the side so that when the big games come I am the first choice. I want to be part of something successful this season."

Are your preparations different from last year?

"We are preparing the same this season as we did last year and hopefully we will have another successful season."