Yates ron the opening fixtures and latest on squad strengthening
Manager Mark Yates is confident Reds can respond to a tough start to life in League Two.
The 2015-16 fixtures released today will see Mark take charge of the club in a competitive game for the first time at Oxford United on August 8.
It is followed by a midweek trip to League One Peterborough then two cracking home games in the space of three days against AFC Wimbledon and Portsmouth.
The month ends with a trip to Cambridge United followed by a home date against play-off finalists Wycombe on August 29.
Mark said: “It’s a tough start but we have some great games to look forward to in the first month, particularly at home.
“AFC Wimbledon and Portsmouth will both bring big support with them and to have my first home match as a local derby will make it even more special.
“Look, the fixture list is what it is. You have to play every team twice but we will relish every challenge that faces us in the new season.
“But we now have something to focus on. When the players come back in two weeks we will be aiming to be in the best possible shape for August 8 at the Kassam Stadium.”
Mark also updated us on his efforts to add players to the squad.
He said: “All being well, we will be announcing our first two signings before the end of this week and hopefully one or two more at the start of next week.
“As I said at the fans’ forum last week we have a limited budget so we have to make sure every deal ticks all the boxes for the club. We are making good progress now and I am really excited about the first two signings which I hope we can wrap up by the end of this week.”
