Tom Barkhuizen looking forward to starting the new campaign.
TOM Barkhuizen says he is looking forward to coming up against his old team Blackpool in the Shrimps' opening home game of the season.
The new League 2 fixtures were announced yesterday with the Shrimps facing Blackpool for the first ever time in a Football League at the Globe on Saturday, August 13.
Barkhuizen, who progressed through Blackpool's junior ranks into the first team, said: "When I knew Blackpool were playing in League 2 this season this was the game I was looking out for.
"To see it take place so early in the season is a cracker and a game I am looking forward to as I'm sure the supporters are too.
"It will be a great atmosphere and it is a game that should really grab the attention of the fans."
Barkhuizen added: "it will definitely be a tough opening week of the season.
"Grimsby will really be up for it on the opening day as it is their first game back in the Football League for a few years and they will want to get off to a winning start.
"The good thing is the fact we have two tough league games in the first week means we will have something to really focus our attentions on."