Manager Friday Lunchtime

07/08/09: "We are not among the favourites this year and that's the way it is, but that doesn't mean to say that the ones that are not favourites can't do anything.

Jim McIntyre is looking forward to the first league game tomorrow and the new season

"As always excitement builds for the start of the season. You can tell that with the boys; they are really looking forward to it. I'm really looking forward to it too.It will be a tough tough game for us to start, but it's a home game and hopefully we can go and put on a performance."

Commenting on the fact that the relegated team from the SPL have a tendency not to bounce right back up:

"It is a different type of league, but I think Inverness will do well. They are up there with the favourites and rightly so. They have been playing in the Premierleague for years, but as you say it doesn't always work that way.It is up to us to go and match the workrate and win the battle and try and get our players to create.

"Terry Butcher has brought some new faces in. I saw them a couple of weeks ago, they are a good side with some good footballers as well. Terry's teams are always renowned for good spirit and battling qualities but he always has good footballers in his team as well.It should be a good game."

What are your expectations for this season?

"The expectations are that we do as well as we can.  We are not among the favourites this year and that's the way it is, but that doesn't mean to say that the ones that are not favourites can't do anything.  It's all about taking it a game at a time and getting off to a good start. It is imperative that we do."

Games are coming thick and fast this month -

"That's right, you've got Challenge Cup, League Cup so that's the start of a new season. We're full of optimism.  We have two games against our rivals, the Rovers in quick succession, so that will be good for the fans and the players alike."

On the injury front:-

"Although suspended for tomorrow Joe Cardle has just completed a full session with the physio so we will see how he is and hopefully he will be back training with us on Monday and Andy Dowie as well.  Andy is flying, he is a week ahead of schedule and will join the rest of the boys on Monday."

The Manager confirmed that Stephen Glass will be his Captain with Graham Bayne the Vice Captain.