CHRIS Turner’s plans are coming together slowly but surely now that County’s new season opener against Mansfield Town is just 10 days away.

Turner said yesterday [Tues]: “The starting XI for the Mansfield game is in my mind. I’m pleased that Matt Hamshaw is now catching up after only being with us for a couple of weeks, and Harpal Singh was set to start against Stoke.

“Every manager right now is hoping that none of their players pick up unnecessary knocks with the new season so close.”

County’s preparations do seem to be going well, with three back-to-back friendly victories registered so far, but starting with last night’s home game against Championship side Stoke City, the opposition takes on a tougher look.

Turner added: “The quality of opposition now steps up a touch, and that’s just how I wanted it.

“We had the Stoke game, then follow that up with a trip to Hednesford on Thursday before hosting Bradford City on Saturday.”

Meanwhile, former County boss Carlton Palmer has admitted that he is facing a selection headache ahead of his Mansfield side’s trip to Edgeley Park a week on Saturday.

After making a clutch of new signings in the summer, Palmer now has just two friendlies to try out his tactics, at home to Sheffield Wednesday tonight [Wed], and Rotherham on Saturday.

“I want to be sat down on Saturday after the Rotherham game, hoping everybody has come through injury free,” said Palmer.

“Apart from one or two positions, I don’t know who will be starting against Stockport.”

FELLOW League Two side Bury have signed former County player John Hardiker on a six-month contract.

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