Hi 27pence
I'm in the same situation. In fact i think I'm in exactly the same situation as i believe I'm the other student who your supervisor is taking on. My project is the Biofuel from microalgae project. I too got a good vibe from him. And I've been told his previous posting in manchester was within a very good group. As for being the only supervisor I'm told that it's usually an advantage rather than disadvantage as it means you get the benefit of more time from him and everyone else in the department keeps and eye on you as they know he's new the supervising so it does work out the best of both worlds