Boro boys in confident mood

"The cancellation of Tuesday's friendly at Ramsbottom didn't really effect us, if anything it gave some of the lads a bit more time to rest, we've had quite a demanding pre-season and rest is just as important as game time when it comes to preparation," he said.

"The only downside was that I didn't get the chance to see the youth team players and trialists in action.

"I had them all in last night for training and that's all we'll do this week before Saturday's game at Rossendale United (kick-off 3pm), where I'll field my first choice squad.

"The only ones missing will be Steve and John Foster, but they'll be back for the opening game the following Saturday away to Ossett Town.

"The only problem at the moment is the goalkeeping position.

"Danny Hurst is still struggling with a groin injury and won't play Saturday, and youth team keeper Barry George is away, so we'll be looking to bring in a short term signing as cover.

"I've spoken to former Chorley manager Mark Molyneux to see if he could help us out for five or six games and he could play on Saturday."

Elsewhere, however, Glendon would appear to have an embarrassment of riches - at least in non-league terms - at his disposal

"The only player we really need to accommodate is new signing Jamie Baguley, we need to find the right position for him," he said.

"In the past teams have played him all over the place, but he needs to settle down into one position.

"He says he'll play anywhere but I see him playing down the left, whether it's in a wide berth where Andy Heald is, or on the left of the two forwards I haven't quite decided yet.

"This season we'll be playing our normal 5-3-2 formation and I'll be in the nice position of having lads fighting for places, especially at the back.

"Six - Simon Kelly, John Foster, Gordon Armstrong, Davey Luker, Steve Price and Steve Hill - will all be fighting for the three central defensive slots, the two outside them will be wing-backs. In addition I've got options up front and in midfield."

With his squad complete and with only the goalkeeping position causing him any concerns, there would only be one player he would think of adding at this stage, and the ball is firmly in the player's court.

"Jody Banim's been on the Shrewsbury Town transfer list for two weeks now and I think he's waiting to see who's interested." said Glendon.

"He's in no hurry and he may even want to do a loan deal rather than make a permanent move, as he'll be a free-agent at the end of the season.

"Stalybridge are mithering him to death so it depends how he wants to handle them.

"But Shrewsbury can't force him to move on, they can make his life difficult by playing him in the youth team, which they've done, but they can't make him join anyone, so we're still waiting like everyone else,"

With only his goalkeeper a doubt for the start of the season, Boro boss Kevin Glendon can't wait for the big kick-off.