City chairman Edin Rahic, in optimistic mood following some exciting recruitment over the summer, gives his thoughts on the eve of the new campaign.

THE start of the new season is just around the corner and myself and Stefan (Rupp) are very much looking forward to seeing what it will bring.

There is a fresh feel about everything at the Northern Commercials Stadium going into the 2018/19 campaign.

We have an innovative coaching structure in place and, to date, have attracted 15 new and exciting players to the club, each adding a great deal to our squad.

We have developed a vibrant squad, featuring a positive blend of talented, young and experienced players.

Michael Collins, Martin Drury, Greg Abbott and the rest of the coaching team have done a terrific job on the recruitment front and we are constantly scouring the market to further develop and improve our roster.

A number of the players we have recruited have substantial League One experience and many have played at higher levels, so we believe we have a solid mix to take us forward.

I believe we got what was required from our pre-season campaign and Michael has used the games played to put together his starting 11 for our season opener at Shrewsbury.

With such a big and talented squad in place, competition for places is high – which should bring out the best in our players.

Our division is looking strong and very competitive. We will undoubtedly face some testing challenges in the weeks and months ahead – but we are more than ready for what lies in store.

There is an air of optimism surrounding our chances of success this season but we do not wish to be drawn into making any bold predictions. Our aim is to progress on all fronts and improve on last season.

Our investment has extended beyond the dressing room. The new pitch is looking superb and had its first taste of action against Sheffield United earlier this month.

It stood up well and we judge it a more than worthwhile investment. If we want to enjoy great football, we have to ensure the playing surface is in prime condition. A great summer has given the pitch an ideal start to life and our ground staff will be working hard to maintain it.

With the backing of our fantastic supporters, anything and everything becomes achievable. If our fans and partners buy into the vision then I am sure, come the end of the season, we will all have something to look back on and be proud of.

Last season did not end as any of us would have desired and it proved a challenging one at the helm of this great club, alongside Stefan.

But last year’s challenges can only make us stronger and we are sure we will make positive strides forward this term.

Our season ticket sales show sizeable and continued support from the stands, which is hugely pleasing.

It was great to see and chat to many of our supporters during the season-ticket collection weeks, with everyone looking forward to our campaign getting under way.

I believe togetherness will result in something to remember for us all this season. Our intentions and desires will never change, though there are obstacles we have had to overcome during the summer months.

Changes away from the field have taken place and everyone is looking forward to enjoying a bright future at the club.

We have a great team of people in place behind the scenes, who are committed to ensuring our supporters enjoy the best-possible experience when attending games and events.

The club needs your continued support. In the first few weeks of the season we face some exciting challenges and will come up against a host of big-name clubs.

It will be fantastic to welcome Barnsley here for a big Yorkshire derby in what will be our first home game of the season.

We want to generate a fantastic atmosphere for this fixture, as it promises to be an intriguing game. Our supporters and the togetherness we create will be pivotal to our hopes of success.

I hope, together, we will enjoy some great moments this season. We are extremely proud of this club and its people and cannot wait to see all of you enjoying the football, watching your club at the Valley!