JAMIE Vincent insists Town can be a "surprise package" next season, claiming intense competition for places should inspire a League One play-off push.

Last season's stand-in skipper reported back to training yesterday and was instantly struck by the scrap for a regular starting role he has on his hands.

Morecambe defender Chris Blackburn looks set to become Paul Sturrock's latest defensive addition, following the arrival of former Plymouth man Hasney Aljofree.

With Jerel Ifil, Ady Williams, Andy Nicholas, Jack Smith and Sofienne Zaaboub also very much of part of Sturrock's plans, the versatile Vincent knows the four defensive positions will be fiercely fought over.

New boys Craig Easton and Steve Adams also took part in yesterday's pre-season opener with Vincent claiming Town have no reason to fear anyone in their new surroundings.

He said: "Although I haven't seen the new lads play yet, I am sure they will be of a good standard. They wouldn't be here if they weren't.

"There is going to be a real scrap for places but that is what you want as a club and as an individual.

"People fighting for their places is only going to bring out the best in the team. From day one we are aware we have to prove our point and that hopefully will spur everyone on. "There really is healthy competition and we all have to prove ourselves over pre-season." While the likes of Leeds United, Nottingham Forest and Oldham are being tipped by the experts as promotion favourites, Vincent is more than happy to stay under everyone's radar. He points to the success of West Country rivals Yeovil Town as evidence League One novices don't have to struggle and is keen to do his talking out on the pitch. He said: "We have to be looking at getting in the play-offs. I don't see why we can't anyway. Look at what Yeovil did last season. "There is no point in just aiming for mid-table mediocrity because then that is what you will get, at best. "We will go out there believing we can win every game we play and come the end of the season why can't we get in the play-offs. "It would be nice to be a bit of a surprise package in the league. "We have the potential to do that. Winning promotion and then reaching the play-offs would be a great season for us all." A quick-fire start to last season, six wins on the trot, instantly marked Town as promotion contenders and Vincent is looking for similar this time round. He said: "Pre-season is going to be hard work. We were just given a gentle introduction yesterday but we know there is more to follow. "It is important we do the right things and avoid injuries but of course we are all looking to start next season flying again. "We are away to Northampton first game and I don't see why we can't win that and then go from there." The Advertiser understands Morecambe defender Blackburn was at training yesterday and will put pen to paper today. Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Yoann Folly is also still understood to be in talks about a potential move to the County Ground. Adebayo Akinfenwa is still in talks with the club over the results of his second medical. Former Town midfielder Paul Evans meanwhile, is trialling at Bradford City this week. n Town will come up against former fans' favourite Tommy Mooney again after Walsall boosted their squad with the striker's acquisition. The 35-year-old left the Chairboys earlier this month after rejecting their offer of a new contract.