Your thoughts please

Bristol City - Cardiff - Wycombe Wanderers - Bristol Rovers - Cheltenham Town - Hereford United - Oxford United - Swindon Town

One week from today Hull will take on Blackpool and get the 2011/12 Football League season up running. It's a great time of the year for fans as hopes are still high and promotion is a real possibility. Injuries, suspensions and managerial sackings haven't had a major effect and reality for most of us hasn't yet sunk in!

Keith Millen steadied the ship last term at Bristol City and the boys there looked on the up by the turn of the year.

Cardiff just missed out (again) on promotion to the Prem. Dave Jones gave it his best shot, but is this their season under a new manager?

Wycombe gained promotion to League One, but can Gary Waddock's side keep them up?

Bristol Rovers and Swindon dropped down a flight. Are they good enough to bounce straight back under their own new managers?

Chris Wilder consolidated Oxford's position back in the league, but do Us fans now expect more than just the highlight of a couple of derby games against Swindon?

Cheltenham and Hereford are two of the - dare I say - smaller sides in League Two, but while their fan bases might not be as large as the bigger clubs in the division, they are just as passionate. Can they upset those so-called big boys and do something special under their two young managers?

I'd like to hear from fans of the clubs above as to what their aspirations are for the new season. Are you staring at relegation from the outset? Would mid-table safety suit you before a ball has even been kicked? Or is promotion a very real possibility?

Next week I'll pen my own thoughts on these clubs ... for what they are worth.

Englishman to play for Australia in Wales ... and more

Bristol City's Aussie new boy Neil Kilkenny has been called up by his country to face Wales at Cardiff on August 10th.  The midfielder, 25, who joined the Championship club from Leeds in the summer has already appeared for the Socceroos on a number of occasions, but was actually born in Enfield before moving to Oz as four year old, but his family returned to England seven years later.

Midfielder Stuart Lewis, 23, has signed a two year extension on his contract at Wycombe. Lewis impressed boss Gary Waddock last season and was a key player in the club's promotion drive from League Two after signing an initial loan deal from Dagenham last November which became permanent in the January transfer window.

Good to see that former Bristol Rovers full back Danny Senda has been given a one year deal with Barnet. Senda showed good commitment to the cause despite being part of the Gas side that dropped into League Two at the end of last season.

Former Plymouth Argyle midfielder Luke Summerfield, 23, is being lined up for a move to Cheltenham by Whaddon Road chief Mark Yates following two pre-season friendly appearances for the club according to the Gloucestershire Echo.

Meanwhile Oxford have taken former Chelsea and Fulham youth prospect Joe Andersen, 21, on trial and the lad played in United's 1-0 win over Brackley Town last night in which Aaron Woodley scored the winner. Andersen is a midfielder, but can also play at full back.

Pitman's reminder

As Bristol City fans are left wondering whether Nicky Maynard will stay at Ashton Gate or make the move to Championship rivals Leicester City, co-striker Brett Pitman sent out a "Don't forget me" message with a brace in last night's 1-3 win over Forest Green Rovers.

Pitman, 23, joinedd City last season just before the August transfer deadline and ended the season as City's top scorer despite a slow start.

The former Bournemouth hit man was honest enough to tell me half way through the season that the step up from League Two had been hard work initially and that his fitness levels weren't up to those of the other members of the squad, but he praised Keith Millen for giving him the time to catch up and then rewarded him with 16 goals. With a full pre-season behind him, I wonder whether City fans might see an even better Pitman this term.

After holding West Ham to a goalless draw at the weekend, Wycombe's blushes were spared last night when Matt Bloomfield found the night as the Chairboys struggled to cope with gutsy minnows Wealdstone and drew 1-1.

Rovers forgotten man Jo Kuffour gave boss Paul Buckle something to think about last night when he scored as the Gas went down 2-1 to Reading at the Mem.

Jimmy Spencer, Kaid Mohamed and Josh Low all found the net at Whaddon Road as Cheltenham beat League Two new boys Walsall 3-2. While it was only a friendly, it will also serve as a wake up call to Saddlers players and fans alike that it isn't going to be easy getting back to the division above.

Albert Jarrett has joined Hereford on one week's trial and played in the Bulls 3-1 defeat against Telford last night. Jarrett, 26, left Lincoln City by mutual consent at the end of last season when the Imps dropped out of the league.

Oxford put in a very impressive pre-season shift against Championship outfit Birmingham with Ryan James and Alfie Potter scoring without reply.

It seems that Paolo di Canio may not have finished his spend spree at Swindon and the Swindon Advertiser are reporting that he has identified two more players to add to his squad. If the deals come off, that will be 14 new faces appearing at the County Ground next season. I wonder whether Danny Wilson might have been able to keep the Robins up - and his job - if he had been given the same sort of backing.

Region round up

As Bristol City warm up for a friendly against Blue Square outfit Forest Green Rovers tonight, they are having to cope with fresh speculation linking striker Nicky Maynard with Leicester City. The Daily Star are reporting that Foxes' chief Sven Goran Eriksson is set to make another offer of £4 million plus out of favour striker Martyn Waghorn. Waghorn, 21, only signed for Leicester last year, but has failed to impress.

It would be a shame if Maynard were to leave Ashton Gate, but to his credit he has knuckled down and refused to be drawn into the speculation preferring to leave the clubs, managers and agents to do the talking.

Wycombe boss Gary Waddock will be taking most of his first team to Wealdstone for a pre-season run out tonight.

Bagasan Graham, 18, has signed a one year deal with Cheltenham. Striker Graham was released by QPR in the summer, but has done enough during a trial period to become manager Mark Yates's ninth close season signing.

Hereford boss Jamie Pitman has signed French striker Yoann Arquin after a trial period and the 23 year old started repaying Pitman's faith by bagging a brace in last night's 3-2 Herefordshire Cup defeat to Westfields in which the Bulls fielded a combination of first teamers, reserves and youth players.

Oxford are reported to be close to offering a deal to 34 year old Wayne Brown to act as back up to highly thought of first choice keeper Ryan Clarke.

Swindon comfortably beat Cirencester Town in a friendly game last night with strikes from Matt Ritchie, a Danny Greaves own goal, and new boys Mehdi Kerrounce and Alan Connell. Boss Paolo di Canio finally wrapped up the signing of winger Etienne Esajas who suffered a shoulder injury in last night's game and will now miss the start of the season.

Friendly Round Up

Bristol City were beaten by west country rivals Yeovil in Somerset. Veteran keeper David James fumbled a shot from Paul Wotton and Diarra Tiemoko followed up to convert.  City had their chances, but failed to find the back of the net.

Wycombe took on Championship new boys and promotion favourites West Ham at Adams Park and earned themselves a credible scoreless draw.

Down the A40 Oxford managed a 1-0 win against MK Dons with Asa Hall finding the net while non league Newport County beat Cheltenham by the same scoreline.

Hereford held Chris Hughton's Birmingham at home in another scoreless clash.

Paolo d Canio's Swindon are gearing up for a fixture at Cirencester tonight while Bristol Rovers host Reading at the Mem tomorrow evening.

Round up

Wycombe skipper Gareth Ainsworth, 38, has told the Buckinghamshire Advertiser that he is prepared to accept manager Gary Waddock's decision to rest him at points this coming season.

Despite his age, winger Ainsworth was arguably the Chairboys most consistent player last term as they won promotion to League One, but after a gruelling pre-season, he feels that he will need to follow his head rather than his heart this term.

See more: http://www.buckinghamshireadvertiser.co.uk/south-buckinghamshire-sport/ba_wycombe_wanderers/2011/07/21/gaz-head-will-rule-heart-this-season-82398-29093860/

Meanwhile youngster Charlie Reece has been told he is surplus to requirements at Bristol Rovers and will be released by new manager Paul Buckle.

I saw Charlie play a few times last season and he looked like an exciting prospect. I suspect - and hope - that he will find another club very soon.

Paolo di Canio has made his 11th signing of the summer. Swindon boss di Canio has wrapped up a deal for Iris midfielder Alan McCormack, 27, who was released by Charlton on Wednesday.

The Swindon Advertiser has reported that Dutch trialist Etienne Esajas had not completed his move to the County Ground, but is still expected to sign for di Canio.

Murray's Mint As City Take An Early Bath

Bristol City's second string were beaten by neighbours Bath City last night after old boy Scott Murray scored the only goal at Twerton Park in the 59th minute.

City had put out a decent team and while boss Keith Millen won't be happy with the result, he'll be more concerned at injuries picked up by keeper Dean Gerken and full back Joe Edwards which forced both to leave the field.

The Gloucestershire Echo are reporting that Cheltenham boss Mark Yates is about to sign striker Darryl Duffy. Dufffy, 27, fell out of favour at Bristol Rovers last season after three years with the club and was loaned out to Hibs back in his native Scotland.

Meanwhile Rovers have signed 20 year old full back Michael Boateng from Ryman League with Carshalton Athletic. Boateng was released by Crystal Palace when he was 16 years old, but spotted by Rovers former Director of Football Lennie Lawrence who tipped off manager Paul Buckle.

Hereford's Spanish tour is being followed by Bulls News and photos and news can be found here: http://bullsnews.blogspot.com

Former Sheffield Wednesday Dutch winger Etienne Esajas, 26, has been given a deal by Swindon Town boss Paolo di Canio following his impressive displays while on trial with the club during their recent Italian tour.

Maynard shows his worth

Bristol City beat Cheltenham in a local friendly tussle at Whaddon Road last night with hot shot striker Nicky Maynard finding the net first.

City are desperately trying to fend off interest in Maynard and have already turned down a reported £4.75 million bid from Championship side Leicester City this summer.

Midfielder Marvin Elliott claimed City's second goal while Cheltenham striker Jeff Goulding pulled one back from the spot in the second half.

Probably a decent result for both sides as they try to get into their stride with the new season approaching.

Gary Waddock's Wycombe managed a credible goalless draw at home against Championship side Crystal Palace - another good result for the Buckinghamshire outfit who were promoted to League One last season.

Paul Buckle had plenty to smile about as well after his re-built Rovers team beat Burnley 2-0 with goals from new boy Matt Harrold and youngster Eliot Richards.

Spanish outfit Molina Segura were soundly beaten by Hereford in their first tour game. Stuart Fleetwood, trialist Danny Williams and Joe Colbeck notching the goals without reply.

Oxford had a day off in their unbeaten US tour, but local rivals Swindon were on form against minnows Swindon Supermarine and won 4-0 with goals from new acquisitions Jonathan Smith, Raffaele De Vita, trialist Etienne Esajas and Callum Kennedy.

Robins - Feathers to Fly?

Two of the local sides - Cheltenham and Bristol City - will take each other on in a pre-season friendly this evening at Whaddon Road. It will be interesting to see how the new boys in each team have bedded in as next season's kick-off edges ever closer.

Bristol Rovers midfielder Chris Lines, 25, is no closer to resolving his plans for the coming season. Lines has spent some time training with Crystal Palace, but has now returned to the Mem and is expected to have a run out against Burnley this evening.

Oxford have continued their unbeaten run during their US tour and eased past Seacoast United 3-1 with two goals from Deane Smalley and a strike from new boy Jon-Paul Pittman.

Swindon Town will travel the short distance to take on neighbours Swindon Supermarine tonight.

Friendly Round Up

Not a great weekend for the clubs on my patch, but it is worth noting that these are all friendly fixtures and merely give the respective managers an opportunity to take a look at the full squad and try out tactics before the real business begins.

Championship outfit Bristol City were humbled by League Two side Torquay who put two goals past them at Plainmoor without reply, but according to local press reports, City's main strikers were all resting or injured.

League One new boys Wycombe were beaten by the mighty Braintree 2-1 with 'young' prospect and skipper Gareth Ainsworth getting on the scoresheet.

Down in League Two, Cheltenham were held 1-1 at Telford despite a 40 yarder by striker Jeff Goulding, but according to the Gloucester Citizen newspaper it was trialist Bagasan Graham, 18, who caught the eye. And the former QPR trainee has apparently done the business in all of the pre-season fixtures so far.

Bristol Rovers managed a 2-2 draw against Inverness Caledonian Thistle on Friday with strikers Kayne McLaggon  and Scott McGleish both finding the net for the Gas.

Oxford are in the USA on tour at the moment and chalked up an impressive 2-0 win over Mass United in New Hampshire courtesy of goals from Alfie Potter and Deane Smalley.

Meanwhile Swindon have signed striker Alan Connell from Grimsby and left back Alessandro Cibocchi, 28, who has played in Serie B in Italy. He becomes Paolo di Canio's ninth signing of the summer and the fourth from Italy. Connell scored 29 times for Grimsby in the Blue Square Premier League last season, but has football league pedigree and has turned out for Ipswich, Bournemouth and Hereford among others and started out in the Spurs youth set up.

There are also rumours coming out of darkest, deepest Wiltshire today that di Canio is about to give a trial to 25 year old Algerian striker Mehdi Kerrouche who has been plying his trade in the United Arab Emirates second tier.

Hereford flew out to Spain for a training camp and so have seen little action outside of the duty free shop in recent days!