The gloves are already on as Simon Brown and Richard McKinney do battle to give Colchester United manager Phil Parkinson his first major headache of the new football season.
The two good friends, but rival goalkeepers, both want to be Parky's number one when the big Division Two kick-off comes around.
U's player-of-the-year Simon Brown
McKinney finished last season as the U's first choice after injury cost Brown his place.
And still in fighting mood today, the Northern Irishman told the Evening Gazette: "I'd love to start the season in goal again.
"I had to sit it out in the dug-out for long periods last season, just as Simon did in the end.
Richard McKinney in action
"But realistically I genuinely don't think there is a number one at the club.
"Simon wears the number on his back, but last season was last season and this time around's a completely new ball game."
Relishing the stiff competition, reigning Supporters' Player-of-the-Year Brown said: "I haven't really thought about the new season yet, but in our profession you're only as good as your last game.
"Richard is right, I think the situation is very even between me and him and having two competent keepers, plus a talented youngster like Dean Gerken, on the books is a nice problem for the manager to have."
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Published Thursday, May 22, 2003
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