EXPERIENCED defender Martin McIntosh believes the spirit at Town is the best he's known in 18 seasons as a pro.
The 34-year-old centre-back flew home with his new teammates this weekend from the Copa de Ibiza tournament delighted with what he's seen so far from Peter Jackson's side.
And McIntosh - much travelled both north and south of the border - feels Town are primed to fulfil the ambitions of around 9,000 season-ticket holders when the big kick-off comes against Nottingham Forest next month.
"It has been really easy to settle in here and, in my 18 seasons, this is as good a spirit and togetherness that I've seen," explained McIntosh, who has signed a two-year contract at the Galpharm.
"I think a lot of that is due to the staff, who bring everyone together, and that helps both on and off the field. They've made the Ibiza trip really enjoyable.
"I knew the manager had a lot of charisma from the first time I spoke to him and that carries through his staff, the players and the club. It's a really good place to be at.
"That's exactly what my old Rotherham teammate Ian Gray told me before I signed. Trigger said he couldn't think of one negative thing about the club, he said it was superb and that I'd really enjoy myself and that's how I'm finding it."
McIntosh played 56 minutes in the 1-0 defeat by Coventry in Ibiza and went on for the second half against the island representative side, when Town won 2-1 to take third place.
"Pre-season has been really demanding and it's been good for me because, at my age, I needed that," he said. "The way the players all encourage each other has pulled us through, though, and even though we lost against Coventry, I think we looked sharper and fitter than them and that's a testament to the hard work we've put in so far.
"I'm certain the difficult sessions we've had will prove their worth and, while we are now into the stage of pre-season where matches are coming along, you always have in the back of your mind the hope that you don't pick up any injuries.
"Everyone is already looking forward to the first game of the season and, while I haven't seen much of League I, I know the lads feel we can build on their positive end to last season and I know the manager is confident we can do well.
"That run-in has probably given us a bit more pressure to begin with, but I know from what I've seen so far that we've got a lot of good players who are eager to do well.
"A good start always helps, of course, because it can set the tone for the whole season, so hopefully we will get that."
