John Coleman is more than ready for Accrington Stanley's historic season in Sky Bet League One which kicks off tomorrow at home to Gillingham.
The Reds last played in the third tier of English football in the 1950s when the leagues were reorganised but have never been promoted there - until last season.
Many people never believed they would see Stanley in League One after the club was re-formed 50 years ago in 1968 - but Coleman always believed it.
"I always believed we would get promoted," said the Reds boss. "It's an exciting time to be at Accrington Stanley. The ground looks great, the pitch is superb, the new stand should be built soon and there are rumours of new changing rooms!
"The new season has seemed a long time coming. We have had a good pre-season, beat three teams from leagues above us and now we have to take it into the main show and not just the dress rehearsals.
"I know we are the favourites with the bookmakers to go down, that's not a shock, but it certainly doesn't worry us.
"I have a great set of lads here, they are great characters, who work their socks off and they believe they can win games every time they take to the field. We know we have nothing to fear.
"Just off the top of my head, we have beat Gillingham, Bristol Rovers, Bradford, Shrewsbury, Wycombe and Luton in the past.
"We will respect every team but we are ready so bring it on."
Coleman knows Gillingham will provide tough opposition. They finished in 17th place last season.
"We have had them watched and watched DVDs on them and know the way they are going to play," added Coleman.
"They have young, energetic players and we will have to be at our best."