"Who would've thought that this would be the case 5/6 years ago. It is a big welcome to Tranmere as our first guests in this League One campaign and we hope for a good entertaining game that both sets of supporters will look back on with fond memories. Being the first game of such an historic season it should prove to be quite memorable.
"So many things have happened since the last we have spoken. One or two players have been bought in as well as the ones which have left the club. Notable additions would be Stuart Lewis from Gillingham, Gavin Tomlin from Yeovil, Damian Scannell from Southend and Luke Wilkinson from Portsmouth. The most noteworthy departures have been Mark Nwokeji who has gone to AFC Wimbledon, Wesley Thomas to Cheltenham and last, but not least, Anwar Uddin. Anwar, who is and will always remain an absolute legend at this club, has gone to Barnet. We wish them all well.
"Having played a couple of league fixtures away, Sheffield Wednesday and Notts County, it was positive to come away from those with two very good performances. It was disappointing to miss the scheduled game here against Exeter City, but for the right reasons that couldn't go ahead. We have to take heart from the performances we have put in so far this season and try and turn those into victories, starting today against very tough opposition in Tranmere.
"Lots of things have been going on all over the place during Pre-Season, and that is no different to here. The club has set up the Centre of Excellence which will be run in the capable hands of Warren Hackett. We wish him, and the Centre of Excellence, the best of luck for this season. Every year we try to improve something at the club and we believe this move will go some way into helping complete the circle that we are trying to create here of a good, well-run, well-organised and well-disciplined football club with everything in place. I will comment more on this in the next few programmes. For now, let's focus on today's game.
"The boys have trained well, been in good spirits and thoroughly enjoyed the two games we've had so far in League One. Everybody has settled in and we now need everybody to go out today and be Daggers. You have to be part of that, be part of the team and be part of what we are trying to achieve. You have been so far, everybody has enjoyed this fantastic ride we've been on and long may it continue. The fairytale at this club is ongoing and all we are doing is turning yet another page.
"Get behind the team, get behind the players, enjoy the afternoon and let's try to make it a winning performance. "
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