The Royals start the new season with a tricky opener against Whitby Town Fc tomorrow (sat) with the game being played at Eastwood CCFC (formally Eastwood Town) due to the Coles Lane 3G surface needing maintenance work. We caught up with the manager Toothy to find out his thoughts going into the league opener.

"Its important that we don't let what's happening with the pitch affect us", said Tooth. "There is nothing that we as a team can do about it and its not as if the pitch has been condemned its a few minor issues that will get resolved very soon. We have to just get on with it and we are used to playing a run of games away from home that's part and parcel of non league football."

With pre season finshed and the real work about to start we asked Tooth how he feels the squad is looking ? "Im very happy with my squad but that could all change come 4:45pm tomorrow. As a manager you never really know and I always look at the first 6-8 games a benchmark really. Compared to this time last year we are much stronger and all but 2 of the squad have played this level or higher so they will know what to expect. Pre season has been enjoyable and we are all really excited about getting going tomorrow. The dressing room is settled and the new lads have fitted in really well so everything is in place for the lads to hopefully start well."

With 3 games coming in 7 days we asked Tooth about the upcoming fixtures. "We are not looking past Whitby at the moment and they are a good side. They absolutely footballed us to death at our place last season and we nicked a 1-0 win and again it was a tight game at their place that we ended up winning so there was not much between the two sides. As with most I expect they have strengthened and its difficult to get a report on teams up that way but we have had them watched twice in pre season and the reports coming have given us something to work with."

Kick Off Tomorrow is 3pm and for all those making the journey the address is:

Eastwood CFC
Play Soccer USA 3G Arena
Chewton Street
Eastwood
Nottinghamshire
NG16 3HB