Stevenage begin their League Two season at home tomorrow

Teddy Sheringham says he is expecting ‘big things’ from his side this season.

The Stevenage boss will make his managerial bow at home to Notts County tomorrow, and admits that although all eyes may be on him ahead of the game once the whistle blows it is up to the players to get a win under their belt.

Notts County have brought in 18 players this summer compared to Boro’s four, and Sheringham says that although people may expect the Magpies to do well this season he has high expectations of his own players.

“All eyes are on me for two minutes maybe, but once that’s over then the players are out there to do their job on the pitch and then it’s all about them really,” Sheringham said.

“I want the players to go out there and express themselves and enjoy being professional footballers. That’s what football is about.”

The former England striker added: “The expectancy levels will be great for both teams tomorrow.

“The amount of money that they’ve spent and the changes they’ve made, they’ll be expecting big things from their team.

“But I’m expecting big things from my team. The players that I’ve got here I think are very capable of putting on a performance and they’ll be looking forward to it and hopefully we’ll get the right result and get off to a good start.”

Asked if the feeling ahead of tomorrow’s game is different from the feeling he used to get as a player ahead of a new season, Sheringham said: “It’s very different. It’s not all about me now. It’s not about getting my sleep, getting the right food and making sure I’m ready to be buzzing around a football pitch.

“My mind is all around the place, thinking about other things and other people. Thinking about have we done enough, and thinking about what we need to do between now and 3pm tomorrow afternoon.”

Sheringham also says that although he’s still looking to add to his squad, having a small squad could work in his advantage.

“We are a small, thin squad. I like to think there will be a couple more signings, we’ll have to wait and see,” Sheringham said.

“I’ve heard managers talking, last year, about how they can’t wait for the [transfer] window to shut, but I’m still looking at players and trying to sort that out.

“But on a positive note I’ve said that the club finished on a high-ish last year [losing in the playoffs]. They did very well, so the players I’ve inherited are full of confidence anyway and that’s a good thing.

“I don’t have to pick them up. I don’t have to repair them as such, they’re raring to go. I’m quite fortunate in that respect.”