Continuing our look at the different experiences of the various clubs as they prepare for the new season, we spoke to Cheltenham Town manager John Ward and his captain John Finnigan.

Did you get up to anything nice over the summer?

Ward: "I had to have a quick holiday because with the Play-off final we were the last team to finish and this coming season we'll be amongst the first to start. I managed to go to Australia for three weeks to see some friends but then it was back home for a week before pre-season training started."

Finnigan: "Well, this closed season was shorter than normal for us because we were involved in the play-offs, but I managed to have a good break. We've got two boys, 10 and six, so I took them to Florida for two weeks. We went to all the Disney parks and it was a really relaxing holiday for the family."

Did you manage to catch any of the World Cup?

Ward: "Yeah, I watched a fair bit but because I was in Australia the matches were very early in the morning. I thought it was a good tournament but it was anyone's to win. Everyone fancied Argentina at first but it was wide open and England could and should have done much better.

"It's a shame because England didn't lose a single game in normal time but that's the way it is with knockout tournaments. There were no outstanding teams and I feel England missed a huge opportunity."

Finnigan: "Yeah, bits and bobs but not as much as I would have liked because we were on holiday for some of it. I managed to watch all of the England games apart from the last one against Portugal because I had to go to a wedding.

"It was a shame that England never seemed to gel as a unit; there was such talent in the team nut they failed to reach their full potential. From what I saw I did enjoy the tournament but there was too much diving and at times the standard of refereeing was really disappointing. The Italy versus Germany game stands out in my mind as being one of the best games and the final was pretty exciting too."

How has your pre-season been?

Ward: "Really good. The boys came back in buoyant mood after last season's promotion and there's a real excitement about the place. We were over in the German town of Göttingen, which is twinned with Cheltenham, and won two games 1-0- and 3-2.

"The facilities were great and we were representing not just the club but also the town in an ambassadorial role. Our unbeaten record was broken against Southampton - we lost 3-1 - but it was a good test against an excellent side."

Finnigan: "Very well. We had a week in Germany where we played two games against teams of a similar standard to us and we won them both. The facilities were great out there and it was a really beneficial week.

"We played three local games before going to Germany, winning them all too, and gradually the performances are coming along. So far we've managed to steer clear of any significant injuries so that all bodes well heading into the new season, because we need everyone fit."

Have you brought any new players into the squad?

Ward: "No, not as yet. We've got the same squad as last season and I may add to it before the new campaign gets underway but only if I find the right players. I'm not being sentimental towards last season's squad because they won promotion, I just feel we have a very strong set of players that have gelled together well. They've worked hard to get here and so I don't want to bring in the wrong players, but there is still time."

Finnigan: "No, none! The gaffer talked to us and said he's going to put his trust in the current group of lads and give us all a fair chance. He wants the boys who won promotion to step up to the challenge and keep us in the division, which has given us all a big boost."

Which of your players should we be watching out for?

Ward: "Last season's top scorer Kayode Odejayi has a really good chance to prove himself. He scored 13 goals in League Two and I think he can make an impact in League One. Our Northern Irish international, Grant McCann, is also one to watch. He's been excellent since arriving at Cheltenham and he'll want to show he can cut it a higher level."

Finnigan: "We've got a few terrific young players at the club who I'm sure will shine next season. Grant McCann, who's a Northern Irish international, was very impressive last season and had a great game in the play-off final, so I'm sure he'll catch a few eyes.

"Brian Wilson can use either foot and play on either wing. He scored 10 goals from midfield last season and a lot of other clubs were interested in him. If he has another good season I think there'll be a few big teams after him."

What are your thoughts ahead of the new season?

Ward: "I'm never a pessimist but we'll be looking to avoid relegation first and foremost. It will be interesting to see how my players adapt to a higher division and all the demands that come with that, but we hope to keep well away from the root of the table.

"It will be hard to live with the big teams like Nottingham Forest and Swansea because we can compete on the field but not off of it. We're aiming to hold our own and steadily improve during the season."

Finnigan: "It's difficult to say because we've been in League Two for three years, so I guess we'll have to just suck it and see. We're going to have a good crack at it, we'll respect the big teams but not too much and hopefully we'll do well. This is a young squad that's been together for a long time now, so there's a fantastic team spirit and that will help to carry us through."

Which grounds are you most looking forward to visiting?

Ward: "Bristol City. They were a former team of mine as a manager, I left in '98 and I've never been back since, so it will be great to see some old faces. We've got three ex-Nottingham Forest players - John Finnigan, Stephen Guinan and Craig Armstrong - and so they'll be looking forward to going to The City Ground.

"Myself and some of the directors here are old enough to remember when Forest were European Champions and it wasn't long since we were a non-League side. Now we can say Forest will be coming to Whaddon Road - it's going to be a great fixture."

Finnigan: "Personally, I can't wait to go to Nottingham Forest away, the home of the former European Champions. We go there in March and if they're doing well there could big a big crowd, up to 30,000, so let's hope they're doing well. Myself, Stephen Guinan and Craig Armstrong all started our careers there and it will be great to go back."

Who is your tip to win the league?

Ward: "I'm going to say Bristol City. Gary Johnson had a lot of changes to make and they didn't have a great start to the last campaign, but they really picked up as the season progressed and nearly nicked a Play-off spot. This time around I think they can go all the way."

Finnigan: "I think the teams who were up there last year have got to be favourites this time around, so you're looking at Notts Forest, Brentford, Huddersfield e.t.c. Bristol City have got a good chance, there are some quality little players up there and if they click as a team they're in with a shout. I'd say Swansea are an outside bet. They were unlucky last season in the playoff final but could challenge this time."

What are your personal ambitions for the season ahead?

Ward: "I really want to see the team improve and the club progress. Any manager who goes around saying this and that about the coming season will fall flat on his face. Last year we were excellent but by the time Swansea comes around on the first day of the season that will count for nothing. We must improve and adapt if we want to sustain our position. We're a small club with small finances so we need to be patient, but I'm confident we can do well."

Finnigan: "No targets have really been set yet but I really hope we beat the drop. Four years ago we came up and went straight back down so there's no way we want a repeat of that. As a player I want a comfortable season, pushing into the top half of the table and surprising a few people like we did last year."

Are the preparations for this season different from last year?

Ward: "No, they're pretty similar. Last pre-season we also went to Göttingen and did well out there. The only real difference has come as a result of the weather. The training pitches are much harder from all the heat so work has been a little less intense. The quality and quantity of training has been just high as last season, but it's had to fit into a shorter period of time."

Finnigan: "No, apart from it being a bit shorter due to the playoff final, they've been pretty much the same. We went on a similar trip to Germany for a week last year and then went through pre-season unbeaten. So far we're unbeaten this time around too and have pretty much the same set of players. We're looking forward to another strong and successful season."