WITH new manager Craig Brown at the helm, a new skipper leading the team and a new striker leading the line the coming season has seldom been more eagerly anticipated.

It's fair to say Brown's decision to join North End caused some surprise to fans.

But any fears that fans may have doubted the wisdom of appointing him have been disppelled with a record number of season tickets being sold -- in excess of 9,000 at the last count.

And according to the boss they won't be disappointed.

The man who has enjoyed the glamour of World Cups and European Championship finals sounds as eager as the fans for the new season to begin.

The affable Scot said: "I am very happy to be working with a team again.

"Every coach wants to work day-to-day. An international job is a privilege but the real nitty-gritty of football is club coaching.

He believes his 16-year association with the SFA will benefit him as he returns to club football for the first time since leaving.

"Having been at three World Cups with Scotland and two European championships, I think I have accumulated a great deal of experience."

Brown is already impressed with the attitude of the players in training.

"Their enthusiasm has been fantastic. Some of them came back early to train and they can't wait to start the real stuff on Saturday."

"You can't guarantee anything in football but I can promise that all players at PNE will give 100 per cent to the club.

"And with commitment and the backing of the tremendous fans who knows we can achieve?"