JIim Smith believes Oxford United will be better equipped, physically, this season to handle the demands of the Blue Square Premier.

United begin their programme at home to Forest Green on Saturday, and Smith, starting his second full season since returning to the club with chairman Nick Merry, immediately identified that the midfield needed strengthening, and he has done that.

And what was at times a problem left side last year - with the ageing Gavin Johnson and Rufus Brevett, and Andy Burgess, all suffering with injuries at different times, could this time be United's strongest point following the captures of Alex Jeannin and Phil Trainer.

Smith said: "The new boys have settled in well and all the lads have worked hard in pre-season."

Not enough goals proved United's downfall in 2006-7 as champions Dagenham ended up finding the net 27 times more than Oxford.

So, with the arrival of Gary Twigg and Joel Ledgister, have the U's got more goals in them this season?

"Well, we probably scored more goals in pre-season last year than we have this year, but I think we've probably got more options to change the team format in providing options," he said.

"On the bench will be predominantly front players, so that will help us to get more goals."

Smith added: "I think the squad is younger, and stronger. With people like Eddie Hutchinson, it's virtually like having a new player.

"He got through a tremendous amount of work in pre-season and should really push on and be a key player for us, giving us that extra strength in midfield, like Phil Trainer, who's another strong boy.

"Phil's got to find his feet as yet as it's his first time up into full-time training since he was a kid really. That's hard, but again he's done well and I can only see him getting better as the season goes on."

One team that does look to have plenty of goals in them is Stevenage Borough, with their three talented England National Game XI players, Mitchell Cole, Steve Morison and Mark Molesley.

But United found last season that Stevenage's defence wasn't as effective.

Who does Jim reckon will be up near the top this time?

He said: "Speaking to David Pleat the other day - and I know pre-season you can't always judge teams - but he saw Stevenage recently and he said whoever finishes above them will win it. But then we said that last year and they had an unbelievably bad start."

Smith believes it's unlikely that a team will run away with it this time.

"Whereas last year we thought there were only four serious contenders, five maximum, I think this year there will be seven to eight . . . Kidderminster, Torquay, Stevenage, Exeter and hopefully us will all be up there.

"York maybe - but not so much because they have serious financial constraints, although Billy (McEwan) does a great job there, and they've got a lot of new players.

"So I think it will be a lot harder than last year. Having said that, in a daft kind of way, that gives everyone more of a chance because they're all beating one another."

By the end of the season, Smith will have chalked up more than 1,500 senior games as a club manager at Football League and Premiership level, and also now in non-League, which includes his time at Boston United - his first managerial job.

Jim has been here, been there, been everywhere and seen it all.

But one thing that will take some getting used to are the frequent Thursday night games in the Blue Square League this season.

So no more Thursday nights off then.

"I don't get Sundays off either," said the Bald Eagle. "I'd better ask for more money!

Meanwhile, Burgess has made his expected move back to Northamptonshire, where he lives.

o But it was to his old club Rushden rather than League One club Northampton Town, who had reportedly been showing interest.

The 25-year-old midfielder, who is recovering from a knee operation, has joined the Diamonds on a two-year contract.

It is a free transfer. However, there is a sell-on clause and United would receive a percentage should Burgess be sold by Rushden.

One of the most skilful left-sided players United have had srecently, Burgess could be brilliant on his day with his range of passing and long-distance shooting.

But he was also infuriatingly inconsistent, as he proved last season.

He was one of the highest-paid players, and although Smith said he didn't really want to lose him, he was also keen to generate money for other signings.

Following Burgess's departure, Smith was able to strengthen his squad by signing triallists Michael Standing and Arthur Gnohere.