PAUL Hurst believes you can make a case for labelling this season's Conference as the strongest ever.
While the likes of Luton and Cambridge are out of the way having gained promotion to League Two, Hurst insists the Conference is just as competitive this season.
Like many, the Town boss expects free-spending Forest Green Rovers – under boss Ady Pennock – to be one of the main rivals, as well as today's opening day opponents, Bristol Rovers.
He expects the likes of Barnet and Wrexham to also be strong contenders as well as Eastleigh and Torquay, who he feels have kept 'under the radar' throughout pre-season.
He said: "I think there are arguments for and against the league being the strongest it's ever been this season.
"Certainly you have to look at Forest Green, and I know they get a mention at this point before every season.
"I think with their new manager, there is a different vibe down there and I certainly got a different feeling about the place – they'll be challenging this year, no doubt about it.
"Barnet will be up there as well. They'll be very strong this season, particularly if their front two stay fit.
"And then you look at Wrexham and Kidderminster, who will certainly be looking at the play-offs as a minimum.
"You've also got the likes of Eastleigh – their story is well-documented and it's clear they haven't come up just to be happy with promotion last season and consolidate.
"Bristol Rovers are getting a lot of the press at the moment because they're obviously a big club, but I think Torquay are going under the radar a little bit and they'll be quite happy to do so for the time being.
"They've still got plenty of players with Football League experience and they've made some good signings as well."
