Paul Buckle spoke to us earlier and was looking forward to the new season-'Looking ahead to the weekend, we will concentrate on certain things in training. There will be tactical bits done that are relevant to Histon but we are mainly concerned with ourselves and what we can do. I don't want to tempt fate but we haven't had many injuries this summer and that is not luck. The players are prepared in the right way and they are a fit squad. We can expect a hard match at Histon, all the games will be tough but we will have prepared properly.'

Paul was keen to stress how much the supporters mean to the club and the players as we head toward a new season-'The supporters are everything to this football club, without them there wouldn't be a Torquay United. They were fantastic for us last season both home and away and this summer the players have been amazed by the level of support that they have received during the pre-season games we have been playing. We are focusing on bringing success to the club on the pitch and the supporters play a huge part in that. Looking back at the end of last season there were some tough moments but throughout all of it the supporters were behind the team and it means a lot to myself and the players knowing that wherever we play we will be backed up by fantastic support.'

United's players have been hard at work off the training pitch under the tutelage of Strength and Conditioning Coach Fletcher Larkin-'The training I have been working on with the squad is specifically for football. The players are in the gym at least twice a week on their current schedule which also includes yoga, deep core work and preventative work; it is important to try and prevent injury as well as strengthen muscle. As the players get fitter during the season the schedule's will change, you will also have players who are injured and I will be supporting the staff in helping the players get back to full fitness. I will be concentrating more on strength and speed during the season which should make the players sharper and stronger on the ball. All of the benefits of this work won't be seen overnight but they are a fit squad and are working very well together.'

United midfielder Tyrone Thompson gave us his thoughts as the new season loomed-'From a personal point of view I really enjoyed the pre-season, it has been good to play a lot of football and get to know the other lads. Histon will be a tough game, they are a physical side and they can play a bit as well and it will be a hard match but all of the boys are looking forward to it.

We have a competitive squad and I think that if you are going to do something in this league then you have to have that competition for places. It's something I relish. It's a long season but as a team and as individuals we set ourselves high standards so obviously we want to be pushing to improve on what was achieved last season. We will go into every game to win it and if that doesn't happen we will be disappointed with ourselves.'