BRAINTREE Town manager Alan Devonshire says he already knows his starting XI for next Saturday's opening game of the season.
The Iron's Conference Premier campaign kicks off with a trip to Macclesfield Town but, before then, the club has two pre-season friendlies to fit in.
This Saturday they travel to Ryman League Premier Division Wealdstone, with a hastily arranged trip to Peterborough Northern Star of the United Counties League set for Tuesday.
"Barring any injuries, yeah, I've got my starting XI in my mind," the Iron boss said. "We've had some injuries through pre-season so I've arranged a game next week so we can get some more game time.
"We'll be looking for a good performance against Wealdstone but I don't want to think about the result too much.
"That's for when the season starts. We'll be looking to be positive in both games."
This week Braintree have added Chelmsford City goalkeeper Carl Pentney and Bristol City defender Mitch Brundle, 19, to the squad, and Devonshire says he hopes to bring in another two players before the season starts.
Though he remained tight-lipped as to what positions the additions would play in and where'd they come from.
Pentney, 24, who made 36 appearances for the Clarets last season, will act as back-up for Nick Hamann, with Nathan McDonald heading out on loan to Enfield Town, where he'll link up with former Iron boss George Borg.
"Carl was their player of the year last season, but we knew about him anyway," said Devonshire. "I think he wanted to play at a higher level and we've delighted to have him. He's a good young goalkeeper. Nathan decided he wanted to stay, so he's signed a new contract, but he wanted to play games, so he's gone out on loan.
"Mitch can play centre-back, but he can also play right-back and in midfield. Someone who does a lot of scouting for me spotted him and we got him over. He's a good young player and I really like him. He wants to learn and I think he will be a great addition to the squad."
Brundle didn't make a first-team appearance while, at Ashton Gate, but played in eight games during a loan spell at League Two Cheltenham Town last season.
