FOR John Coleman, it has been a long wait for the first game of 2015/16.

“I’ve been excited since the day we got back from pre-season,” said the Accrington Stanley boss on the eve of their opener at home to Luton Town.

The 52-year-old came back after the summer with a renewed vigour.

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Last season was the longest he had experienced in football, having returned in October from Sligo Rovers, where he had succeeded Ian Baraclough to take charge in June.

“It had been a long time for me and Jimmy (Bell) if you include managing in Sligo and then taking it into last season. Our season was longer than anyone else’s,” said Coleman.

“I had a good rest at the end of the season, had a couple of holidays, and I was back and raring to go on June 26.

“I’m really looking forward to it and I hope it lives up to my expectations.”

Among them are for League Two to be as unpredictable as ever.

“I honestly don’t see any weak sides in the league this season,” said the Reds boss.

Coleman feels their opening day opponents, Luton, will be among the frontrunners.

“They were favourites last year and they’ll be one of the favourites this year,” he continued.

“I went to watch them on Saturday and they’ve got a good, strong squad.

“We’ve got to make sure we don’t give them a warm welcome here and make it difficult for them, and I’m sure our players are determined to do that.

“Pre-season’s gone well, we’ve just not got to get carried away.”

There are plenty of travelling demands too this season, with a 15 per cent increase in mileage travelled - the third biggest hike in the Football League.

At just over 9,000 miles, they will be the sixth most-travelled team in the Football League.

All six are League Two teams.

“Southern League Two,” said Coleman with a wry smile.

“You’ve just got to get on with it. It doesn’t really bother me.”

He accepts it creates an added financial burden on the club.

“It’s a multi-faceted problem,” he said.

“But if you don’t like it, drop out.”