Iron hoping for better start

Last updated : 08 August 2005 By Luke Thornhill
Johnson
United's last visit to the third tier of English football lasted just a season, as they finished second-bottom of the table in 1999/00.

They were left adrift of safety from the opening games of the season, as the side - who had lost star strikers Jamie Forrester and John Eyre to Utrecht and Hull respectively - failed to even score in the opening three League games and had to wait until September 11 before recording their first win - a 1-0 success at Colchester United.

This time Laws can call on a more experienced strikeforce - though new signing Tommy Johnson is unfit and unable to partner Steve Torpey - and is confident of a better start this time around.

He said: "If you look at the whole month (of August) there are some mouth-watering games.

"It's a tough game at Brentford, but those particular games that follow have got us all excited."

In Johnson's absence, Laws is hoping to convince Sheffield United striker Billy Sharp that his future lies in North Lincolnshire.

A transfer fee has been agreed with the Blades, and he could be thrown straight into the matchday squad at Griffin Park if he agrees a switch on Friday.

But it is likely to be Ireland U-19 international Andy Keogh, a £50,000 capture from Leeds last season, who partners Torpey up front.

New loan signing Evan Horwood will start at left-back as Marcus Williams went over an ankle in training on Thursday, and first-choice Lee Ridley is out as well following a hernia operation, while the absence of Jim Goodwin also leaves a hole in midfield.

It looks set to be filled by Matty Sparrow moving into the centre to partner Ian Baraclough, with Cleveland Taylor coming off his regular place on the subs bench to pace up and down the right wing.

Laws' other options include elevating Richie Ryan or Richard Hinds to the starting line-up.

WHAT YOU PREDICT:

What Iron fans are tipping in the Iron-Bru.net prediction League

Brentford win: 16 (2-0 most popular choice)
Draw: 12 (1-1 most popular choice)
Iron win: 9 (2-1 most popular choice)

(Latest predictions as of 04/08)