On the whole it’s been a decent start to pre-season for City and the lads will be pleased to have got minutes under their belt against Rotherham on Tuesday. Paul Gallagher and DJ Campbell, who made it three goals in three games, were on target and things were going well until the lights went out after 80 minutes. They probably could’ve carried on in the dark as the Leicester players would’ve still been able to pick each other out in those lemon coloured kits!

City have played three games in quick succession since Paulo Sousa took over and the start of the season is pretty close. I’m glad we’ve got a manager in who’s had time with the players. After last year’s success it would’ve been criminal if we weren’t properly prepared for this season.

It seems that City will be playing a more patient, passing style under Paulo, which will be interesting. You can’t play football all the time though, especially in the Championship and I’m sure Sousa has learned that during his time in England.

Milan Mandaric obviously wants his team to play attractive football and I’m looking forward to seeing what’s served up at the Walkers next season. We’ve got some very good footballers with Richie Wellens, Paul Gallagher and Andy King all sound passers, possessing the vision to create something. If Sousa can add a few signings we might just see the style of play that Milan craves. We’ve got characters in the squad who have proved that they can battle as well, so there’s a good balance.

You will have seen from my recent former manager blogs that I played under a few different gaffers during my time at City. Sometimes it can take weeks and months for them to impose their style. As players, you just have to knuckle down, play your own game and hope he likes you. If you can get on with him then it’s great, some people won’t and there will be players you don’t expect suddenly becoming part of the new manager’s plans. That seems to be happening with DJ Campbell at the moment but you can’t argue with his form.

It’s all about gelling with the new manager and understanding exactly what he wants from you. You’ll find players that have been out of the picture trying to suck up and curry favour in training. Everybody starts at the same level but you’ve got to believe in your own ability and play under whoever’s in charge.

Training will be very competitive at the moment because all the lads have got a point to prove. It’ll be interesting to see who has managed to stamp their authority early doors and made themselves part of Sousa’s plans.

I talked about DJ’s chances of getting back into the mix last time so this week I’ll focus on Yann Kermorgant’s future. He’s bound to be involved in the friendlies as the manager assesses the whole squad, but I just see it coming to an abrupt halt quite soon. I hope whatever happens it works out for the lad, as long as he stays away from penalties!

It’ll be interesting to see who we bring in. I think we need a striker to replace Martyn Waghorn and possibly a right-back. I’ve seen that Nicky Adams has been playing there a bit in pre-season and he could do a job. I like Nicky and spoke with him a couple of times last season. He’s got so much enthusiasm and determination to prove himself at Leicester and that showed when he turned down a move to Brentford this summer. I’m glad he’s stayed and I’d like to see him involved a bit more.

The Leicester Legends Vs Forest Legends Charity fixture last Sunday was a great success and I’d like to thank everybody that supported the game. The 4-4 draw was a great spectacle and the weather was perfect. The Forest lads were fantastic and all stayed out for the after party at Revolution in Loughborough.

We raised £5000 for Wishes4Kids and a lot of people went the extra mile to make it a success, including my wife Sira who helped me with a lot of the organising. Crowndale Food Services provided top quality beef burgers and sausages for free, which was a great gesture.

The facilities at Quorn Football Club were fantastic, with the pitch one of the best I’ve seen in Leicestershire, and Chairman Stuart Turner was great. The two lads that won the auction to play for the Legends team, Dave Smith and Sean Jeynes, certainly enjoyed themselves too. Sean managed to score our fourth goal after Muzzy Izzet sent him through one on one and I’ve had an email from him since, saying it was the best day of his life.

Jimmy Sehmi of EL Construction, who’s a massive City fan, agreed to play for Forest to help raise money for charity. I can’t believe he actually put a Forest shirt on to be honest, but after seeing his first touch it suited him better than a City one would’ve done! Talking of Jim, he’s getting married this weekend and for his sins he’s chosen me as his best man! I’m honoured to have been asked and I’d like to wish Jim and his wife-to-be Sarah, all the best for Saturday.

I’ve got a top drawer rugby Q&A night coming up in September. Tigers Director of Rugby Richard Cockerill and club captain Geordan Murphy will be appearing at the City Rooms in Leicester on Thursday September 2nd from 7pm. A two course meal will be provided and Charlie Dagnall is MC for the night. Tickets cost £37.50 + VAT per person. For more information visit www.legendsuk.com or to book contact steve@legendsuk.com.

I talked through this week’s blog at the venue of one of my sponsors, Shimla Pinks Indian Restaurant, which is based on London Road. The food was magnif and the staff were top class. We had a variety of dishes including, Tawa King Prawn, Lamb Chops and Jhinga Til Tikka and I can recommend them all.

The food was delicious and between the three of us we absolutely mangled it! I’d like to say a big thank you to Danny and everyone at Shimla’s for making us so welcome.

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