Shaw wants Tigers to stay firmly on front foot in opener

The Tigers boss is aiming for three points despite the lofty ambitions of the visitors, and believes he has the squad to take the game to the Rebels.

He said: “We’re at home, so we want to try and take the game to them, we can’t change what we do.”

“They’re a good side and there’s a reason they’ve made the play-offs for the past three years, but we can’t let ourselves be affected by that.”

“We’ve got our own job to do and want to stamp our authority on the game from the first minute.”

“We need to be on the front foot - that goes for the whole season, not just FC United.”

He added that the mood around the squad was one of excitement and anticipation after pre-season.

“Everyone is raring to go, I’m really pleased with how things have gone over the last seven weeks with regard to preparations,” he said.

“Results haven’t always been the greatest, but with three points up for grabs the group are really keen to go and prove themselves.”

“It’s encouraging for me to see that, and the atmosphere is definitely a positive one.”

Worksop Town kick off their league campaign against FC United of Manchester at 3pm on Saturday at Sandy Lane.