Ian Sampson is looking forward to the new season, but he expects Macclesfield Town to provide tough opposition on the opening day.

"Macclesfield will be a very difficult start but we are at home so we will be expecting to win the game," he said.

"Keith Alexander has got a reputation for playing effective football and he has enjoyed success at this level in the past with Lincoln City.

"Southampton was a fantastic draw for us in the Carling Cup and I think with Stuart Gray having managed Southampton previously he will be quite happy with that.

"We beat higher league opposition in this competition last season and the incentive will be there for us to try and repeat that.

"We are one of the favourites to win the league and we will have to deal with the pressure.

"Having been relegated we are understandably one of the favourites with the bookies but if we can play to our potential then I think we will be worthy favourites."