SIMON BIRD believes Gainsborough Trinity could be in for an excellent season in Blue Square Bet North.

The striker, who left Trinity last summer after five years at the Northolme to pursue a coaching career in America, still looks out for Trinity's results.

And the 26-year-old has been impressed with the signings made by Blues manager Brian Little this summer.

"I miss the fans at the Northolme, but don't really miss playing there," said Bird, who was signed in 2004 by then manager Paul Mitchell.

"I'm still in touch with quite a few of the fans on Facebook.

"When I'm back at Christmas I might go down there to watch a game and say hello to the fans.

"I still keep an eye on how they are doing.

"They have made a very good appointment with Brian Little. And from what I have read they seem to have made some good signing this summer.

"They are signing young players, players who are on the way up, and good quality players who are proven at that level.

"They finished last season strongly, so if they can keep that form up and with the new players they've brought in, I think they will do well."

IN YOUR ECHO: Feature with Simon Bird on coaching in America