AFTER getting the pre-season out of the way the Brewers first team squad is eager for the new campaign to start, says Lucas Akins.
“When you come back, that’s what you aim for from the start - to be ready for that first game, so we can show what we have been working on and then see that hard work all come to fruition.”
Akins says that the first team squad have been fully focussed all the way in the run up to Saturday’s big kick off at home to Scunthorpe.
“It has been hard, which is what we expected,” he said.  “We have had a good one overall, the lads have been very honest and have put everything into it.
“After how we went on last season, we would be happy to do anything the gaffer asked. We would have sat in circles singing songs if that was what he wanted, because we trust him, and the results and performances back that up.
“We have had a good time away in Holland which was hard work but good for team bonding and has set us up for the start of the season.”
Now Akins believes Albion will surprise a few teams in League One.
He says: “We have a winning mentality that has been instilled into us. We can take that forward, do ourselves justice and everyone supporting us as well.
“League One is not greatly different from what we saw last year. As long as we stay organised, well prepared, fit and healthy, we can do well.
“All the new lads coming into the squad have added to the team, on the football pitch and as characters as well. Hopefully we can have a good season.”