United face the Jets tonight at Hindmarsh Stadium then head to a resurgent Central Coast Mariners next week followed by a home date with Melbourne Heart and a trip to Townsville.

Barbiero said these tough games will be a big challenge while bedding in Coolen’s ideas as well as giving time for the Reds injured crew – of which he’s one – to recover from injury.

The Reds pre-season injury woes claimed senior players skipper Travis Dodd, Robbie Cornthwaite and striker Lloyd Owusu. Last year Barbiero suffered from a bout of osteitis-pubis (groin) and this pre-season ankle ligament damage restricted the midfielder’s output.

“We haven’t had too many lead up games so far. So we’ll just take this first month as it comes but we’re still learning and trying to gel.

“But after that, we should go well later in the season,” Barbiero told au.fourfourtwo.com.

“We want to start off well against Newcastle this Friday night. We’ve got a few injuries and it’s tough, particularly with a longer season but if we can get everybody fit we’ll be fine.”

Despite the side's troubles last season - the proud club ended with the wooden spoon - Hindmarsh Stadium bucked a general downwad trend in crowds across the A-League. Barbiero is expecting the South Australian faithful to once again fill the stadium and he hopes the 2008 ACL finalists can reward their loyalty this time around.

“Last year even though we didn’t do too well the fans still turned up. Sometimes it was almost a full house so that’s a good sign,” added the 26-year-old former Metro Stars player.

“We do get involved with the kids, the schools and the communities and we get our names out there."

The Reds have continued their strong community program in the off-season and have resurrected their popular “Friday night Shout” promotion where members shout four friends to an A-League game.

Barbiero added: “In terms of the team, it’s a fresh start. With new ideas, new ways and his new brand of football which will be good for the team and club overall.

"It looks good and this year we want to do well for the fans. We owe the fans a big year."

* In other news, injured Socceroo defender Rhys Williams will be based in Adelaide for the next three months whilst undergoing rehabilitation. The Middlesbrough defender missed the World Cup due to a pelvic complaint.

*At Hindmarsh stadium tonight fans will have the to contribute to the Flinders Medical Centre Foundation in aid of the Borneo for Breast Cancer Trek. Gold coin donations will be accepted at the Holden and Manton Street gates.