THE dust has barely settled on the World Cup and already we're talking about pre-season friendlies.

But, like it or not, the new football season is just around the corner and if there's no football to watch, then the next best thing, surely, is to talk about it.

And what better excuse than Bromsgrove Rovers' fixture list for their up and coming Dr Martens Western campaign to get you in the mood.

Rovers start at Racing Club Warwick on Saturday, August 17, and the message from the Victoria Ground is clear - they can't wait.

Chairman Tom Herbert said: "Everybody came in for training last Saturday and everybody's up for it.

A quick glance down the fixtures suggests Rovers have a good chance of doing well and Herbert certainly feels confident.

"I have watched quite a lot of the Western league and there's no difference in the quality we have got at Bromsgrove to the Western league," he said. "There's nothing really that scares me."

Following the trip to Warwick, Gary Hackett and Jon Ford's side get their first taste of home action as they entertain Bedworth United on Tuesday, August 20.

Then it's a home clash with Shepshed Dynamo on Saturday, August 24, to complete the opening week of matches and the chairman believes the side can get all nine points.

He said: "We have got a very good start with the fixtures and we have got every chance of winning the first three."

Rovers play their first local derby on Tuesday, September 24, at home to Stourport Swifts and make the return journey on Saturday, November 30.

A crunch encounter comes at Redditch United's Valley Stadium on New Year's Day but, more importantly, the two sides have to wait until Easter Monday for their next meeting.

That game is scheduled as the third from final game of the season and could decide many crucial issues in the end of season shake-up.

Another highlight, and one Herbert says he is looking forward to, is the clash with Phil Mullen's Evesham United, away in December and home in March.

One of the longest away trips of the campaign, Taunton, is set for Saturday, November 16, while another lengthy journey to Merthyr Tydfil isn't until February.