"We're excited, a bit nervous now that we have done pre-season and now the business side of things starts," he said
"The lads are keen to get going.
"All the players can do is put in the performances in training now and hopefully force their way into the side for Saturday.
"Competition is rife in the team at the moment and that breeds
confidence. I think the team can achieve some good things this season."
"Ninth was a great achievement with the squad we had. Anything is possible. The boys are really looking forward to it."
Gilligan is expected to start in central midfield with Town likely to give debuts to Liam Davis, Luke Guttridge and Leon Constantine.