Steve Burr is buzzing with exuberance as the new season draws closer and his players prepare to report for duty.

Burr is a proud and competitive boss, more used to chasing promotion than battling the drop, and relegation did not sit well with him.

But a reprieve has handed the club a second chance and the 54-year-old intends to ensure there is no repeat of last season’s struggles.

He has brought in 10 new signings and will have far more time with his squad on the training pitch, and Burr has the bit between his teeth with the fixtures released at 3pm tomorrow and pre-season beginning on Monday.

“It’s an exciting time for the fans and exciting for the players, and I’m as excited as anyone,” said Burr.

“With everything that’s happened, I’m probably more excited  and that’s not being disrespectful to the Conference North.

“We’re in a tough league with some big clubs and there are some big games for us to look forward to.

“I always look forward to the fixtures coming out and of course I want to know who we’re going to be playing.

“But at the same time, I don’t think  ‘this is how things are going to pan out’ because we’ve got to play everyone twice and it’s a long season.”

Burr is a hands-on manager and has mapped out a demanding pre-season schedule to ensure his side is in peak condition come the big kick-off on August 9.

“I think a good pre-season is about hard work and the lads will understand that,” he said.

“It’s all about getting ourselves ready for that first game and that’s what we will be working towards.

“A lot of players keep themselves in good shape now and it’s a bit different to when I was playing. Back then, lads would finish the season, go on holiday, maybe play a bit of cricket and then come back carrying some weight and get beasted.

“There’ll be a bit of that I’m sure but we’ll be working with the ball too and making sure we’re ready for that first game on August 9.”

Burr brought in former Scotland striker Chris Iwelumo this week and his budget is almost exhausted, but he has not ruled out one or two more signings.

“There are still a couple who we are looking at,” he said, with left-back and centre midfield the priorities.

“We are pretty much up to budget but we will keep a little bit back and see what happens in pre-season.

“If the right one comes along and it’s right for the club and fits in the budget then we will go and do it.”