ON Friday evening a journey starts. It is a journey for all of us who care about Forest Green Rovers.

No-one knows how far or ho w fast we will go, but with good reason I think it will be good fun finding out.

Chairman Dale has put plenty of petrol in the tank, manager Dave has fine-tuned the engine and our hopes are justifiably high.

How different from last season when our vehicle coughed, spluttered and almost broke down.

Not this time. A talented squad has been assembled - there is competition for every place. Fine training facilities have meant a first-class pre-season.

When could we last say that? Hockaday quotes have been encouraging: “I want players who can bring the ball down and pass it.”

“I want a team that keeps the ball.”

Now we can really judge him on his team.

What will that team be? I think we may be in for at least one surprise. The signs are that Bulman will replace Bittner in goal. Yes the newcomer kicks better, but is he the better keeper?

Surely last season’s player of the year should start the season. Is he not the proven man?

Managers however are paid to make such decisions and know they stand or fall by them.

Consequently, I anticipate the team for Friday to be: Bulman, Imudia, Todd, Graham, Hodgkiss (who will play at left tackle), Rowe, Forbes and Allen in midfield with Norwood, Griffin and Styche as forwards.

A suspension- and injury-free side could have Stokes at left back and Turley in the centre of defence.

I see Graham as a utility defender, on the bench with McDonald, Klukowski, Turk and Bittner.

Compare these names to the ones playing last August and you will see why our journey could take us so much further.

One thing which must happen is better results against the teams in the lower half of the league, particularly at home.

Remember the matches against Histon, Hayes, Eastbourne and Barrow amongst others? It was those poor results that put us firmly in relegation trouble.

The match against Braintree is far more important than the one against Stockport. If that is not a win, we will be in trouble again.

I write this column as a fan always hoping to find a parking spot, buying a programme and sitting in the stand. I write about the whole Rovers experience and that includes the food and drink on offer.

Mrs Light is looking forward to giving her opinion on such matters. Both of us have watched Conference football for twenty-three years and believe the league to be at its strongest now.

Fleetwood and York are the Light choices for success. For Fleetwood, Brodie and Mangan must be a prolific strike force. York have been a sleeping giant for far too long.

Braintree, Hayes and Yeading and Bath will be among the strugglers. Braintree are still assembling a squad. Hayes have lost their manager and are to play at Woking this season, and Bath will suffer second season syndrome.

The next months will be of special interest as Gloucestershire County Cricket Club are pushing for promotion.

A young side, playing without fear of failure, have thrilled us all in four day cricket.

It can be the same at the New Lawn.

Pre-season has shown us a group of players united in spirit, aware of each other’s strengths and with the potential to improve.

I was at the ground last week. Everything looked splendid and we have won one title already - that for the prettiest receptionist.

With Bangura on the road to recovery and ready to make an Autumn impression, there is so much to look forward to. Friday evening cannot come too soon.

Dare we hope that the journey that begins then will end in the play-offs?