Measured optimism must be the mood. Close season activities show lessons have been learned.

Pay-off time starts at 3pm on Saturday. No room for excuses this season - just steady accumulation of points and a final promotion push.

What has made the difference? Firstly the acquisitions of the experienced Barnes-Homer, Mangan, Barry, D Wright, Kelly and Pilkington. They bring to the squad much more than ability - offering experience judgement and both leadership and example. Where it counts on the field! "We need to manage the moments better" was a frequently heard David Hockaday call last season.

Our new signings can surely do that. There will be times during games when the team needs either to dig in or drive forward. Good teams get these decisions right. We can now. No longer a young team (were we ever?) there is nowhere to hide.

Too often last season we were bullied by less talented but mentally stronger sides. Those days are surely over. Barnes-Homer, Wright and Mangan come with considerable successful experience of playing in a 4-3-3 formation - Andy wide on the left and at Wrexham Danny was frequently used wide on the right, although he prefers the central role.

Their success in those positions must have influenced their signings. With the improving Taylor and the thrilling Norwood our front three should frighten defences.

More than that they should take advantage of that fear - establish dominance and go for the jugular. We need to see a new dimension from our team- the killer instinct. Do not just stand on their chests, stick the bayonet in them, and twist it. Hyde are a good team to start the season against, being a good footballing side who last year punched above their weight.

Our team will have the chance to show what they can do. A 3-1 win perhaps? The overall match day experience gets better and better. Ticketing operations are working out and the stadium both inside and out is in exemplary condition. Look out for the new green paintwork.

Match day experience is a key phrase. Of course the football matters most but The New Lawn offers so much more. Living in Cirencester I am able to say with total confidence that football fans will enjoy visiting Forest Green.

The feedback I get is that they certainly do! The Carol Embrey experience and the quality of the food get most plaudits. I wonder if we realise how lucky we are - no more doubtful burgers in a draughty corridor under the stand.

My pre-match choice is coffee and the wonderful fruit cake (Do not tell Mrs Light!), but there are so many other exciting options. Not only that there is so much opportunity to meet mix and mingle. I did not find everything welcome at the Cirencester Town pre-season - anything but friendly.

The home teams tackling was always robust and the crippling one on trial list Usman Faye unacceptable. David Hockaday was understandably incensed.

Tolerant refereeing allowed too much to pass unpunished and the resulting retaliation by Eddie Oshodi could have resulted in a sending off. He has now earned two bookings in three days. Careful please Eddie.

The best thing seen at Cirencester was the performance of young full-back Scott Bevan. He was outstanding in every respect, impressing all spectators home or away. Other "Bartlett Babes" put in good performances and this is an area where the club is making real progress.

We shall be hearing more of these youngsters during the season. With so much going right at the club it would be a pity if any factions remain.

If they do, is not this the time for the burying of hatchets or waving of olive branches. Anyone not buying in to what is happening will miss out on so much.

It is better to be inside the proverbial wigwam than outside it. See you all Saturday.

My team: Russell, Hodgkiss (c), Bennett, Pilkington, Stokes, Bangura, Barry, Klukowski, Norwood, Wright, Taylor.

Subs: Mangan, Kelly, Asafu-Adaje, Barnes-Homer, Williams.

Player to emerge this season: Saul Williams.