With the fixtures now confirmed for the new season, Colchester United Head Coach John McGreal is itching to get started and take the team - and supporters - to Meadow Lane on the opening day of the campaign.
The U's were paired with the Magpies on the opening day on August 4th and John is keen to get things underway.
A strong start is something the U's boss is eager to achieve this year and speaking to the official website, he said: "Notts County is a great game for us to start with. They’re one of the fancied teams and it will be a really good test. They had a positive season last year under Kevin Nolan and got to the play-offs, so I think it’s a great start for us.
"Then we have Port Vale, who are a big club in our league. They didn’t have the best of seasons last time, but I am certain that Neil will get them going this year."
The U's have had a busy summer so far and, ahead of his third season in charge, John is looking forward to seeing a strong following at Notts County on the opening day.
He added: "It’s important for us to get off to a good start and we have two great games to look forward to. With signings we have made so far, I think we’re well placed already and I hope the fans are looking forward to it as much as I am.
"We’ve travelled well to Hartlepool and Accrington in the opening games of the last couple of years, so I am sure there will be plenty there with us this time.
"We did well away from home last year so we’ll be looking to build on that from the first match this season."
The U's have made six additions to the playing personnel so far, and John is looking forward to working with his new additions.
"I've been in and out of the training ground all summer and touching base with the new signings and players we've been after," he continued.
"We're well placed already and I am looking forward to working with the squad again."