Gavin Johnson will be leading Colchester United into their new Second Division season in the knowledge that it is certain to be far from kids stuff this time round.

The new captain - Johnson's adopting the skipper's mantle until regular team leader Scott Fitzgerald regains full fitness - is well aware the U's are once again the bookie's favourites for the big drop at the end of the season.

"There's nothing new there," said the former Ipswich, Wigan Athletic and Dunfermline star midfielder as he prepared for tomorrow's big kick-off at home to Stockport County.

"We'll simply have to prove the bookies wrong again, just as we have done in the previous four seasons."

The 32-year-old skilful left-sided utility man is entering his 15th season in the English and Scottish Football Leagues.

And he would like nothing more than to spearhead the U's to a winning start over Stockport, a club he has never played against before.

He said: "County were a First Division side only last season, but playing them at home gives us a great chance of getting the season off to a winning start."

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Published Friday August 9, 2002

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