Vanarama's National League North fan preview: Kettering Town

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?
A new season, and a new league. Kettering Town haven't been at this level since winning the Conference North back in 2007/08. After leaving our beloved Rockingham Road in 2011, going into administration, being demoted two divisions, relegated from the Southern Prem, one of the sleeping non-league giants (in my opinion) have finally awoken and are back to where they belong. Stability was key, now the future is bright! It's fantastic to finally have the football talking rather than the 'off-field' issues.

After winning the league by such a canter last season, was it a surprise to see Marcus Law leave the club? Is Nicky Eaden the right man to lead you forward?
Personally, I was gutted. I got on with Marcus on a personal level and he always had time to chat to fans. Highlights would be handing fruit out before each game and his rendition of 'singing in the rain'. Take nothing away from Marcus, it was a five-year plan to get into the Conference North/South, and he achieved that. Nicky’s appointment shocked me at first. He was here as a player (a very good player I must add), then onto as Assistant under Mark Cooper. The club sure has changed since he's come back and this is his chance to prove himself. He's under a limited budget, always difficult in a new league after promotion, but he seems to be well liked by fans and players alike. So only time will tell.

What’s been the best bit of business done over the past few months?
That's a tough one because from the new boys that have joined the squad, I wouldn't say there's an outright stand-out. We retained the majority of the squad from last season, which was always key after promotion. But if I'm going to be honest, I think it's the work that the groundsman has done on the 'cow field' this year! Incredible work.

So, what will be different this season from last?
What won't be? A new league. A new manager. Seven players from last season’s squad have gone onto pastures new. An extra 3,000 miles in travel.

Who will be your one to watch coming August 3?
Kettering Town. But in seriousness, I think York City have a good shout for automatic.

Who are the other sides to watch out for and could be in the promotion mix?
Based on the league table, I'd say it's between York City, Brackley Town and Chester. That's my hunch!

What ground are you most looking forward to visiting and why?
It would have been York City at Bootham Crescent, but it's looking unlikely with their move to the new ground on the horizon. It definitely has a lot of character and is what I'd call a proper non-league ground.

And what game would you like to win more than any other any why!
That's an easy one for me. I think it's between King's Lynn and/or Leamington. Both we've played in other leagues since our fall from grace, and every season there was always something to play for against both sides. We tend to be neck in neck in ups and downs, so it'd be good to get six points off both.

What opposition player would you most like to see in your side - and what makes him so good?
If you ask me next season, I might be able to tell you. At the moment I'm completely unsure who plays for who. But if I was to base it on the players that came up (Kings Lynn), it'd have to be Adam Marriot. 24 league goals for King's Lynn last season. Would be a great addition for Kettering!

Finally, the key question - where do you predict your team will finish next season?
15th and I'd be happy. Survival is key and if you look at where Hereford finished last year and the squad/management that came up the previous season from the Southern Prem, you know it's going to be a difficult season. They stormed a league that saw five clubs on 100 points plus that season (2017/2018).

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