What have you been up to over the summer?

"It has been a short summer break so far because of the play-offs. I was out in Majorca for a week, but you don't really get a break from the team because there is always something to do."

Did you watch the World Cup?

"I watched quite a few games actually and I wasn't that impressed by the standard overall. I was very disappointed with England because I really thought we could have gone a lot further than we did - but it is always easy to sit in your armchair and criticise isn't it and I am no different. I hope that Steve McClaren will take the team on from where it is."

How has your pre-season gone so far?

"We have played a couple of games already. In the first one we had a number of trialists playing, but we have let them all go. The heat has been a bit of a problem so far, but I am very pleased with the fitness levels of the players and their commitment since they have been back. It's all about preparation. That said, the real work starts on 12 August when we face Kidderminster away. That is where it all starts for us."

Are your preparations different for this season different from last year?

"Because the play-off final extended the season by a week I decided to come back a week later than normal. The players have all come back very fit and raring to go. Other than that we are preparing the same because we took the decision to remain part-time so we have had two games so far and two training sessions. The only thing that is different this season is the league is geographically different and will involve a lot more travelling so we need to make sure we don't lose concentration in games because of that."

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

"I have brought in another goalkeeper because we went through lasts season with just one so I have brought back a local goalie called Ricky Perks. I have also signed an experienced defender in Dave Theobold, a left winger in Adam Wilde and Josh Sozzo upfront."

Which players are the ones to watch at your club?

"We like to think of ourselves as a team who look good going forward and we like to goals from all around the team. Matty Hann is an excellent player who is quick and has two good feet. He got a lots of goals for us last season from the wide right position. Lee Clarke has always been a prolific goal scorer for us since I have been here and I think those two in particular catch the eye although we have a number of very exciting players here."

Are you looking forward to the new season?

"I am really looking forward to the new season. We are going to have our work cut out to stay in this division, but we have got every chance of doing that."

Any grounds you are looking forward to visiting?

"There are a few grounds that I haven't been to for a while because I have been out of the conference. Oxford United springs to mind because I have never been there and it is supposed to be one of the bigger grounds and Jim Smith and his team will be looking to bounce straight back. Rushden have a good ground, Kidderminster are in a new stadium. All in all there is a lot to look forward to."

Who is your tip to win the league?

"There are lot of teams to choose from. Halifax did well last year and will want to produce that again. Mark Stimson has gone in at Stevenage and their hopes are very high. I think, if I had to choose, I think I would start with Oxford and work down from there."

What are your personal ambitions for the season?

"Number one - I want to stay in this league."