I always get excited at this time of year, because my optimistic approach to the club often gives me hope for a good season. I usually spend the preseason dreaming of ultimate success for the club. Preseason is a time when fans can be truly optimistic.

Obviously, the preparation leading up to the 2017/18 season is very different from what we expected it to be just two months ago. However, the changes do re-open the door to some players who had it closed on them last season. Since Christiansen was announced, I have wondered about who from the exiled players last season may grab their chance and stake a claim under our new manager.

A new manager usually brings a new philosophy and formation, which in turn creates an opportunity for those players who are on the fringes to flourish in the season ahead.

Last season, we saw players who we all expected to play a big part in the team land on the bench or not even in the squad. The steps forward we made last season made us all revaluate those players and wonder if the team had out grown them. Alex Mowatt’s departure is an example of how talented players just do not suit certain tactical preferences.

However, I do wonder if the system was the problem for some of the players and, with the new ideas that Christiansen will bring into the squad, if those players will be given a chance.

The main player I can see developing under Christiansen is Marcus Antonsson.

I have been critical of the Swedish striker in the past and I do wonder if he can cut it in the division. However, last season’s formation was a rigid 4–2–3–1 which meant Antonsson wasn't given the time to settle into the Championship. Looking back, it was unfair of me to judge Antonsson without him being given a real chance in the league. I believe that Christiansen will be more flexible in games and we will see a direct approach with 2 up front and Antonsson being given his chance.

The potential is definitely there.

Another striker who may benefit from a direct approach is 23-year-old Lee Erwin.

When Erwin was signed I wondered how he would ever actually get to a stage where he would be able to be a feature regular in the squad. For a time, it felt like that was not going to happen, but his loan to Oldham highlighted his ability to be effective in the football league. He made 40 appearances last season for the Latics and was their top scorer with 18 goals. I would like to see him being given a good run within the side over the next few weeks before the club decide on his future.

Others also looking to impress have to be Toumani Diagouraga and Luke Murphy who have both returned to preseason at the club after loan spells elsewhere. I expect both men to feature during the preseason schedule… before eventually departing. I personally would like to see Murphy stay, but competition is very high in the middle of the park and with the depth of quality in the midfield, he will most likely go.

The preseason can also give some of the younger players the chance to shine. In his few appearances last season, Lewie Coyle showed how useful he can be and I expect we see more of Lewie over this season. Mallik Wilks and Tyler Denton will also pushing to feature more frequently throughout the season.

To be honest, the speculation around new signings does suggest that the team will look different from last season, but it will very interesting to see if anyone can step up and become an important member of the 2017/18 squad.