One of the many positives to come out of the Silkmen's pre-season campaign has been the form of Danny Thomas. The midfielder weighed in with both goals against Coleraine and has looked lively throughout our build up to the start of the new season.

We spoke to him earlier today as he looked forward to the game against Stockport County at the Moss Rose.

"The games are certainly coming thick and fast at the moment," explained Danny. "I think a few of the lads have been a bit surprised by the number we have played but the gaffer has made his views on the matter known, placing a lot of importance on the need to be match sharp for when the season starts."

"For me I actually prefer it this way. Last season we did over two weeks of running before we eventually got to play a game. This season it was just under a week before we were into action."

"And by match sharpness that includes getting your brain into gear. You can be fit but your body and mind have to be both in tune with the pace of the game to give yourself the best chance of hitting top form."

"So from my point of view I am really pleased with how the last few weeks have gone. Like the gaffer I don't tend to read too much into results. It's all about understanding how the gaffer wants us to play and getting to know our new team mates. And hopefully learning how to cut out those mistakes that last season was costing us goals."

"That's why the trip to Ireland was good as it was a chance to spend time away from home with the lads."

So what of the style of play?

"It's no secret that I was left out of the team when Keith first arrived. It was a bit of shock to be sitting in the stands if truth be known. I wouldn't go as far to say it was a kick up the backside more an acknowledgement that I, as a player, had to adapt if I was going to get into the side."

"So it was a case of working hard and showing the gaffer I was able capable of playing the role he wanted me to. Under Ian Brightwell we played a more traditional 4-4-2 formation. So I was more of an out and out wide man. Keith tends to favour playing three up front."

"And to be honest I am enjoying the new role. To a certain degree it gives you more freedom to play on either flank, and having said last season I need to score more goals, I am hoping this will allow me to get into better situations in the areas of the pitch where it matters most."

"I suspect we will get labelled a long ball team, a tag that seems to follow the gaffer around. But that couldn't be further from the truth. He is always encouraging us to get the ball on the ground and that is evident by the quality of the new lads he has brought to the club."

"The difference is that he is clear on what areas of the park he wants us to play football in. At this level of the game the majority of mistakes are made at the back. If we as a team can cut those out then we give ourselves every chance of winning matches. So the less time the ball is spent in our third of the pitch the better."

"The spirit in the camp is very positive and we are all looking forward to the remaining games this week and of course the trip to Shrewsbury in a few weeks time."