Bring on Windsor opener - Walker

The Sky Blues were given the most difficult pairing imaginable – a trip to Windsor Park – when the new Carling Premiership kicks off on August 7.

But Walker insists: "It's a good time to play Linfield.

"While I'm aware they will have played competitive European games by that stage, there is always a nervous tension among any teams, Linfield included, on the opening day of the season because everyone wants to get off to a good start.

"If you meet a team a few weeks into the campaign, they might well have built up a head of steam so I'm confident enough about meeting Linfield on the first day."

United's first home game will be the following Saturday when they entertain newly-promoted Donegal Celtic.

"That will arguably be as tough a game as Linfield because a newly-promoted club comes on a high and they have been used to winning regularly in their previous division but it's important we win our home matches, especially early on."

See page 55 for United's full fixture list.

Meanwhile, Walker was delighted with his players' response as they reported back for pre-season training last week.

"We had a fantastic two-hour session taken by (new assistant manager) Wesley Gregg and the players really responded to it.

"Some players came back super-fit and others have a bit of work to do but generally we were pleased – Mo McDowell was one who looked really good."

Among the new faces were a Ghanaian player who lives locally and who trained with the club towards the end of last season and former Bradofrd City trainee Rory Carson, a long-term target of Walker since his release by the English club.

"He is a strong, bullish player and if he is coming back to Northern Ireland to stay, I would be fairly confident he will be playing for us but there are a few Conference clubs in England interested in him and his girlfriend is from England so there are a few issues still to address.

"I'm hoping to have a look at a couple more players this week and if we were to sign them, that would be the squad in place for next season."

Further down the club, former United Youth Academy coach Gareth Montgomery has been appointed reserve team manager after Colin Sewell moved up to a first team coaching role in the recent backroom shake-up.

Walker also hopes to persuade club legend Nigel Boyd to take up a role assisting Montgomery with the second string.

On the playing front, goalkeeper Dwayne Nelson has signed a new one-year deal but fellow keeper Sean O'Neill is leaving the club.

Supporters who have purchased season tickets on-line can collect them on the club open day on July 24, or the friendly with St Mirren on July 31. Alternatively, collection can be arranged by contacting United company secretary Neil Coleman on 07849 162985.

Season tickets will continue to be available throughout the summer but the deadline for the early discount rate has now passed.