STUART Lewis said Wanderers need to get off to a flying start if they're to avoid having to play catch-up again this season.

Last year Blues sank to the foot of the table after winning just three of their opening 17 fixtures before a recovery under the guidance of Gareth Ainsworth took them into mid table security.

After Ainsworth took charge on a full time basis Wanderers accumulated points at an average rate of 1.62 per game - had they managed that throughout the entire campaign, they would have finished in the play off places.

Lewis said last year's poor start put paid to any hopes Blues had of making a challenge at the top and has called for his team mates to hit the ground running this time.

The midfielder said: "The most important thing is to get off to a good start in the league. It's always imperative you have a good pre season and that's something we've done.

"We've got to give ourselves a good base to build from and if we can in and around it come Christmas time, I think we can really push on with the squad we've got now.

"We've got to have a good start - that's what Gaz keeps going on about."

Reflecting on last season, Lewis said: "I think we were eight or nine games behind everyone else. Our form after that was probably play off or top half form, so if we can bring that to the table early doors I think we are in with a chance."

He added there was a more positive atmosphere in the dressing room compared to last year and said that will be important to getting Wanderers off to a good start.

He said: "This time last season it was tough after relegation, but at the minute, with the way we finished the season from Christmas onwards, and the spirit Gaz brought into the team, everyone can't wait to get going. The boys are really looking forward to it."