Greg Cunningham is itching to get the first game of the 2016/17 campaign underway this weekend.
Last year's player of the year feels the squad is looking strong ahead of the big kick-off and everyone is looking forward to getting started against Reading on Saturday.
"Everyone is looking forward to it, we've had a hard couple of weeks that have gone quite quick to be fair but it's always the week before the season starts that it starts to drag a little.
"You're eager to get the first game underway and crack on with the season.
"In pre-season there is a massive emphasis on getting that fitness and that sharpness back and it's an important time for the new players coming in to make sure the team has gelled together and everyone is pulling in the same direction.
"It's been a good four or five weeks for us, we're feeling good and we are looking forward to Saturday."
With seven summer additions in contention for selection this weekend, the 25-year-old feels there is even greater competition within the squad this year.
"We've brought in some great players and it's only enhanced the squad and there's a great togetherness here. I've said that from day one and the boys that we've brought in have only increased that.
"There's great competition for places which is always good, we can easily change formation with the personnel and that keeps teams guessing and it's all eyes on Saturday now.
"When a new manager comes in they like to put their own stamp down on the team and with the new manager there they are going to be defensively solid and they have that attacking threat in there as well.
"The first couple of games obviously teams are trying to find out about each other but it will be a good game and it's one that we are looking forward to."
You can hear more from Greg on PNE PlayerHD now by clicking on the video below.