The Colchester Gladiators American Football Club begins their quest for glory with a pre-season match against local rivals Ipswich Cardinals.

The game is taking place on Saturday at Gladiators' Broad Lane Stadium, Wivenhoe, kick-off 6pm.

The Gladiators have worked hard during the build up to the match under the guidance of rookie head coach Matt Roberts. Roberts, who also coaches the Essex Blades and Gladiators Youth team, has been impressed with the commitment and determination shown as the returning players aim to put the disappointing 2007 campaign behind them.

A large intake of new players has compensated for the loss of a number of key players, and swollen the roster to a healthy 50.

The Gladiators class of 08 were presented with their game shirts last weekend at their Rookies and Legends night.

Rookie head coach and Gladiator legend Rick Rotondo addressed the audience with tales from their past and hopes for the coming season.

American Rotondo, who played for the Gladiators during their glory years in the late 1980s and was their head coach in 1992, has returned to the team as linebackers coach, and his energetic style is sure to rub off on the players.

The former linebacker was voted the country's best defensive player in 1988, recording over 200 tackles as he led the Gladiators to their only national title, defeating the Brighton B52s 47-28 at Alexander Stadium, Birmingham.