JIM HARVEY insists Forest Green will start the season in rude health at Kettering Town on Saturday.

But the popular Ulsterman refuses to to reveal any aspirations ahead of Rovers’ new campaign. Rovers will come up against a raft of quality this season which will include relegated Wrexham and Mansfield, but Harvey is far from daunted with the task ahead.

He said: “My team will be better prepared than anyone else’s and then it will be up to the players to deliver my instruction on the pitch.”

The former Morecambe boss has been pleased with the pre-season build up that ended on Saturday in a 3-1 victory at Evesham United. Goals from Conal Platt, Simon Clist and Alex Lawless saw Rovers win a fiery encounter.

Harvey added: “We’ve had some excellent games and things have worked out well for us in terms of shape, stamina and the boys finding their football legs again.”

Rovers will be without Mark Preece and Adriano Rigoglioso who are making good progress following their respective summer operations.

Hartpury duo Issac Shaze and Sam Mensah are still awaiting international clearance.

Rovers are set to hand a debut to Andy Mangan, who will be aiming to fill the void following Stuart Fleetwood’s departure to Charlton Athletic.

Former Swindon Town striker Kaid Mohamed will come into contention along with midfielder Conal Platt and right-back Chris Thomas.

Harvey refused to identify his new captain following the departure of Michael Brough to Torquay, but the Gazette understands that assistant manager Jamie Pitman, Darren Jones and John Hardiker will come into contention.

Ryan Robinson and Terry Burton will be fighting it out for the goalkeeping spot.

Kettering are managed by former Rovers midfielder Mark Cooper.

The Poppies will also include defender Luke Graham, who spent a season on loan at Rovers from Northampton Town.

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