Vanarama's National League North fan preview: Gloucester City

League sponsors Vanarama have been getting the fans’ perspective ahead of the new season - which kicks off this Saturday

The new season is nearly upon us - what have the fans got to look forward to?
Plenty. The form the side showed when our new manager Mike Cook came in was incredible. Now he's had time to build his own team I can't wait to see what we can achieve. Also, a huge season off the pitch, with a return to playing in Gloucester within touching distance.

You scored less than a goal a game last season (35). Have the issues been solved with Mike Cook’s summer business?
I hope so. We relied heavily on Fabian Roberts goals late in the season, but with Jennison Myrie-Williams and Marlon Jackson joining, we've added proven goalscorers at this level.

Fabian Robert was a standout performer for the Tigers last season who would’ve possibly been on the radar of clubs higher up the pyramid. Is he a club legend in the making?
The fans adore him, and I think that's a large part of why he decided to stay. If he'd have moved on, I think last season’s goals, which pretty much saved us, would have earned him legendary status. Who knows what he can do with even better players around him.

We’ve already mentioned some big incomings – but what bit of business has impressed you the most?
Our defence was watertight last season, one of the most effective in the division. We've brought in keeper Zach Jeacock on a season-long loan from Birmingham City, and kept most of the rest. Our problem was scoring goals, and Jackson’s form in pre-season form suggests he might be the man to put that right.

So, what will be different this season from last?
Stability, and Cook having his own players from the start without having to play catch-up. Last season was a rollercoaster, with three different managers. I think, with a good pre-season behind him, Cook and his assistant Andy Hoskins, can take us to the next level.

Who should be keeping an eye on in the Tigers’ squad?
Let's just say, don't take your eyes off a certain French wizard!

And who could be up there challenging for top of the pile?
York are a massive club and have recruited well, and with the resources at their disposal, Hereford must surely be pressing for the title.

What grounds are you looking forward to visiting?
All of the big grounds make a great day out - Edgar Street in March should be fun.

What is a game you simply have to win?
They all bring three points, so just as many as possible. It would be great to have a good FA Cup run as we are due one.

Which opposition player do you secretly wish played for you?
I remember Steve McNulty playing against us for Fleetwood, and he was different class. He was two seconds ahead of everyone else on the pitch, and hardly needed to break sweat. That was a while ago, but if he's still got it, he's a brilliant footballer.

Finally, the key question - where do you predict your team will finish next season?
I'm sure all City fans would agree, a nice safe mid-table consolidation would be the order of the day. I think we're more than capable of that. Who knows though, the play-offs go down to seventh, and with Fabian Robert....

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