It will also mean a debut in the dugout for new boss Larry Billings, who will take on more responsibility from next week when first team coach Peter Betts leaves to go and coach in New York.

And the man trusted with taking Rovers forward admits he can’t wait to get going as he prepares to field four new signings and potential signings.

He said: “We’ve got some new players in and they should get as much chance to prove themselves as the established players.

“In the environment I’ve managed before I’ve not had to worry about friendlies leading to something but clearly there is a means to an end here.

“Ideally you want to win your games but it’s not the end of the world if you don’t play as well.”

Rovers confirmed they had captured midfielder Mark Abbs, their number one summer transfer target, on Wednesday morning, despite an allegedly lucrative offer from Wisbech Town.

Versatile defender Jim Hollingsworth has signed from Royston Town and young winger Richard Heller has pledged himself to the club when he is not at university and Rovers expect to be able to get 20 games from him this season.

Paul Stokes is still on Rovers’ radar and will be in the squad at Brandon.

Winger Neil Cogger is also being touted by Rovers but he looks set to join AFC Sudbury after another knee injury ended his chances of playing at all last season for the Hamlet Croft club.

Should he not be able to prove his fitness for the King’s Marsh Stadium side then Rovers will be waiting in the wings but Billings wants to make sure he gets the right players rather than rush in numbers.

He said: “There’s always going to be spaces where there’s no transfer window.

“In time we can bring in new players to the squad but I’m still keen on the quality reserves showing their worth.”

Skipper Paul Abbott is the only doubt for this weekend’s game because of a niggling injury.

PROBABLE SQUAD: Goalkeeper: Ed Campbell. Defenders: Paul Abbott (c), Jim Hollingsworth, Neil Hammond, Gareth Thomas, Lee Hurkett, Ryan Holder, Sam Holmes. Midfielders: Jamie Challis, Joe Harvey, Mark Abbs, Marc Abbott, Richard Heller, Brad Deeks, Cody Frazier. Forwards: Craig Cutts, Paul Jenkin, Paul Stokes, Tom Shearer, Ryan Kent.