Boston United have been busy in the transfer market this summer and goalkeeper Nathan Abbey believes the Pilgrims will be able to sustain a challenge this season after fading towards the end of last League Two season. Givemefootball's Lawrie Madden caught up with him.
Q:LOTS OF CHANGES AT THE CLUB THIS SUMMER, HOW ARE THINGS SHAPING UP?
A:There have been quite a few signings and experienced signing at thats. Players who have all played at a higher level and therefore I feel gives us a chance this season of getting promotion.
Q:WILL THAT EXPERIENCE BE THE KEY?
A:I know a lot of clubs will bring in youngsters from clubs in higher divisions and youth is not a bad thing but with experienced players you know what you are getting while with youngsters it may take a few games to find their feet.
Q:WILL IT TAKE TIME FOR THOSE PLAYERS TO ADPAT TO THIS DIVISION?
A:Julain Joachim has been a First Division player and has played a high level, he will not have any problems adjusting to this level. I have played at every level except the Premiership and the adjustment is not as great as people think. The tempo is different and the bottom clubs can beat the top clubs which doesn't happen too often in the other divisions.
Q:DO THE NEW SIGNINGS SEND OUT A MESSAGE OF BOSTON'S INTENT?
A:I think it sends out a message that we are serious about this season. Last year we let our two best players go, and they were big players for us, and it might have seemed that we were lacking ambition but not now and I think we'll have a good go at it this season.
Q:IS YOUR AWAY FORM A WORRY?
A:We were unbeaten at home until Christmas but couldn't buy a win away. I think that is where experience will help us. Our home form is again vital but we are looking to put our away form right and to get more points away from home and be more consistent because that is the key to going on a run.
Q:CAN YOU PLAY FOOTBALL AND BE SUCCESSFUL IN THIS DIVISION?
A:I believe you can. I tipped Yeovil to go up last season and they did. Yeovil proved you can play football and go up. But Yeovil could also mix it and adapt and play against ugly sides.
Q:SO IS CONFIDENCE HIGH IN THE CAMP?
A:Yes. We have a squad of 25 players and have two players for every position. If we have injuries, suspensions or players lose form we have quality and experienced players to come in which we didn’t have last season.
Q:IS THIS AN OPEN DIVISION WITH NO CLEAR FAVOURITES?
A:I think so, although Northampton will fancy their chances. I think Leyton Orient may surprise a few and Rushden and Diamonds have done well in pre-season after struggling to stay up last season. We want to be in the frame at Xmas and then kick on. Last season our home form kept us in the frame but we faded when it mattered.
