Hasney Aljofree believes Town's start to the season is "massively important" this campaign - admitting Paul Sturrock's continued recruitment drive could depend it.

The Town skipper accepts they are going into Saturday's League One opener at Northampton light on numbers in the squad but is confident a flying start will quickly add more recruits.

He believes Town's bumper travelling army will be a huge inspiration come the big kick-off and is sure a "great squad togetherness" will pull them through a difficult period.

Paul Sturrock's pre-season has been heavily disrupted by negotiations between the club and new investors, with any transfer activity even put on hold for a while.

He has managed to add Aljofree, Chris Blackburn, Steve Adams, Miguel Comminges, Craig Easton, Kaid Mohamed and Ibon Arrieta to his squad but is still short of firepower and creativity.

Aljofree said: "We know the manager is trying to add a few players as we are probably a bit short on numbers. But it is up to us to pull together and get through it.

"Saturday's game at Northampton is absolutely massive for us. If we can get a few good results early on then it will make the manager's job of bringing in players that bit easier.

"If players from other clubs see us coming out of the blocks quickly then they will be encouraged to join us. Hopefully we can do our bit on Saturday."

A mixed pre-season has seen Town struggling for goals against the likes of Exeter City and Bristol City.

Comfortable wins were recorded against non league rivals Supermarine, Cirencester and Forest Green Rovers but a lack of potency going forward has been evident throughout.

"I think pre-season has gone quite well," said Aljofree. "The main thing is getting the fitness ready and we have certainly done that.

"We know it is not the biggest squad in the world and that can cause its own problems but as a squad we will stick together, even though it will be tough at times.

"There is a great spirit at the moment and that can get you through a lot. We know there has been all this stuff going on in the background but as players we have been kept away from it all. We have to concentrate on our jobs on the pitch."