Colchester United get their 2018/19 campaign underway on Saturday afternoon, when they take on Notts County at Meadow Lane.
The Magpies will be among the pre-season favourites to earn promotion to League One and boss John McGreal is more than ready for the challenge ahead.
He said on Thursday: “You get the same buzz about the start of a season whether you are a player or a manager.
“There’s different scrutiny on you as a manager compared to when you play, but as a player, you do appreciate it and you know you’ll be judged on that first Saturday.
“That’s the same for players up and down the country so it’s very exciting.
“We’re excited about our opening game, but we know it will be tough as Notts County are among the favourites to be promoted if not win the league.
“But it’s nice to test ourselves and it will be a good game for us."
The U's have a clean bill of health for the game at Meadow Lane this weekend, after what has been a productive pre-season build-up.
A string of players are in line for their first team debuts, with their summer signings in the weekend squad.
The U's have sold just over 250 tickets in advance for the match against Kevin Nolan's side, and tickets will be available on he day at the following prices:-
Adults: £22
Concessions (18-21,60 & Over): £16
U18s: £9
U16s: £7
U12s: £1 (must be sold with accompanying adult/senior)
U7s: Free (must be sold with accompanying adult/senior)
Ambulant & Wheelchair Disabled: Price relevant to age band
Carer: Free of charge for persons on higher or medium rate of DLA
U's: D. Barnes, Ross, Gilmartin, Jackson, Vincent-Young, A. Barnes, Eastman, Kent, Prosser, Kensdale, Clampin, Dickenson, Lapslie, Comley, Wright, Pell, Senior, Gondoh, Szmodics, Nouble, Mandron, Collins, Norris