With just over 24 hours to go to the start of the Silkmen's 2008/09 League campaign, skipper Sean Hessey was in confident mood when we caught up with him to discuss Shrewsbury, his role as captain and the season ahead.

"There's a good spirit in the camp right now and that's important as the first few games can have a tendency to shape what follows. Get off to a good start and it quickly breeds confidence. Conversely if you are slow out of the blocks you end up playing catch up," explained Sean.

"So that's why it's important to pick up as many points as we can in August to set us up for the challenge of the season ahead. Clearly we don't want to be getting ahead of ourselves as, and I realise it is a well worn cliché, we have to take things a game at a time."

"We want to be challenging and not just simply making up the numbers. We're the same as the fans in that respect. The side has struggled at the wrong end of the table in recent years and that's something we are keen to address."

"Our start isn't exactly the easiest as Shrewsbury have spent a bit of money on the likes of Grant Holt from Forest. But we're looking forward to the opportunity to just get out there and play."

"We've had a good, if slightly different pre-season. Typically it's all about running, and then a bit more running. But the gaffer places far more importance on getting some games under your belt, which is something we have done. Don't get me wrong he has still worked us hard, but we all feel ready and I know the side he sends out there will be up for the task at hand."

"Obviously it's an honour to wear the captain's armband. It's not something I have had much experience of if truth be known but when the gaffer asked me to do the job last season I felt privileged to do so. I enjoy the extra responsibility and hopefully my game will improve as a result. But it is not just about one individual. We're all in this together, the players, the fans, the management team, the board and hopefully we can get off to a good start at the weekend to take into our games at the Moss Rose next week against Blackpool and Bradford."