Foot: Boro fans hold the key

Boro kick off their friendly action at Barton tonight and that is followed up by a trip to Dene Park to play Hull United on Saturday.

But Foot feels it will be the home games that will be key in what he describes as a massive season.

And he wants the Queensgate shed bouncing when the Evo-Stik North fixtures kick off in August.

“The fans sometimes don’t realise how important they are to the players,” said Foot.

“When I played for the old club I used to love the atmosphere they created, especially in the bigger games.

“It is similar with the shed at Brid, when the fans start bouncing around and doing their bit the players absolutely love it.

“We understand that sometimes they just want to spread themselves around the ground and just enjoy the game, but when they create that electric atmosphere, the players can really tap into it.”

There have been a number of players in out out of the revolving door during the summer months, but as business ticks towards a close, Foot is confident that the current Boro squad has been bettered.

He added: “With the players we have brought in I think we have bettered the squad from last season.

“All the new players are great additions, while we are expecting more big things from lads like Alex Metcalfe and Tom Corner, who finished last season well.

“We obviously have our ambitions for next season and you have to say that you want to win the league.

“I’d be happy to be in the play-offs. We missed out on that by two points last season, so we have to go out there and better that.

“There are some experienced teams in this league, but our squad is full of experience as well, which can only help.”