With former Grimsby boss Russell Slade now in charge at Yeovil, the Glovers fans will be hoping the club can build on last year's 15th place finish in League One. One player relishing the prospect of the new season is full back Andy Lindegaard, who spent much of last term playing second fiddle to first choice full back Kevin Amankwaah. However, with Amankwaah having been sold to Swansea last week, Lindegaard is eyeing an opportunity to make the right back spot his own this term. Lindegaard, 25, is one of Yeovil's longest serving players having graduated through the youth team while the club were plying their trade in non-league football. Givemefootball's Mark Shail is the man with the questions.
Q:YOU MUST BE LOOKING FORWARD TO THE NEW SEASON?
A:Very much so, the training has gone well so far and we've managed to stay clear of any serious injuries. From a personal point of view, I see it as a chance to cement a regular first team place after Kevin Amankwaah's move to Swansea. I did manage to play over 20 games last season, because he was injured for a while, but when he was fit I struggled to get into the side. He's a very good player and I was a bit surprised that he didn't move to a club in the Championship but I'm sure he'll do well at Swansea.
Q:WHAT ARE YOUR IMPRESSIONS OF NEW MANAGER RUSSELL SLADE?
A:I've been impressed. The training sessions have been very good and he's been working hard on getting us organised as a side. The workload has been measured and we haven't been overworked, which is one of the reasons why we haven't had too many injuries.
Q:A FEW PLAYERS HAVE LEFT THE CLUB THIS SUMMER, HOW DO YOU THINK THAT WILL AFFECT THE TEAM?
A:Yes, there have been some changes but I'm still confident that we can do well. There are only two or three of us left from the squad that won the Conference but you have to move on in this game. I'm sure there will be one or two more faces arriving to bolster the squad within the next few weeks.
Q:HOW HAS THE TEAM PERFORMED IN YOUR PRE-SEASON MATCHES?
A:Pretty well. We were beaten 2-0 by both Plymouth and Portsmouth but there were a lot of positives to take out of those two performances. We have changed the system slightly from last season and we're looking to pass the ball through midfield more rather than launching hopeful long balls up to the two strikers.
Q:DO YOU THINK YEOVIL CAN IMPROVE ON LAST SEASON'S FINISH?
A:I'd like to think so. Last season was difficult because Gary Johnson left to join Bristol City and it's never easy when your manager leaves. For the most part of last season we were battling away in the bottom half and it was a bit of a struggle at times. But in the end it was a year of consolidation and the players now know what it takes to compete at this level. You have to remember that only a few years ago we were playing non-league football so for Yeovil to be punching their weight in League One is a big achievement. If we can get off to a good start and find some consistency there’s no reason why we can't improve on last year.
Q:WHICH GAMES ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO MOST NEXT SEASON?
A:I suppose I would have to say the two derby games against Bristol City and the away trip to Nottingham Forest. Just a few years ago the fans here wouldn't have even dreamed about competing in the same league as those two clubs.
Q:AND IT'S MILLWALL AWAY ON SATURDAY?
A:Yes, it's going to be tough because they are a big club and will be looking to bounce back from their relegation from the Championship. I've never played there before but people have told me it can be an intimidating place to play. But I'm looking forward to it.
