We set ourselves high standards and targets so we were a little bit disappointed in the end. We looked in the promotion frame for so long but ran out of steam at the end of the season. However, on reflection, looking back, for our first season in the Counties and in a very strong division, just missing out on the play offs wasn’t too bad

How did last season influence your approach to this season in terms of preparation and recruitment?

It was a massive influence. Me and Hutchy had hundreds of chats through the summer about where we went wrong and what we needed to bring into the squad this season. We felt that we needed to bring more legs into the team and focused on getting players in with youth and pace on their side.

How do you think pre-season has gone?

I am really happy with how pre-season has gone. We were back in early, mid-June, the lads are a lot fitter and have worked hard. Our pre-season last year was indifferent but we have looked much better this year. We have won four, drew two and lost only once to Trafford. Even in that defeat there were many positives. We were hammered 7-0 last season so to lose 3-1 this time round and be competitive throughout long periods of the game was very pleasing.

The lads have taken on board what we have been saying to them in terms of what we expect from them individually and as a team. Hopefully, we can now take that hard work into the season.

What is the target this season?

Promotion. Nothing less.

Who do you think will be the main challengers this time round?

I think Whitchurch and Stockport Town. Alport were very strong last season and have added to their squad. Stockport overcame a huge upheaval mid-season to finish top half and will be strong this year.
The other sides near the top last time Alsager, Sandbach and Remyca will again be up there and it will be interesting to see how Blackpool go with the Wren Rovers manager on board. We know how strong they were from the Lancashire Shield a couple of years back.

What are your thoughts on the opening two games, Cammell Laird today and Stockport on Monday?

I don’t know much about Cammell Laird but you always know you’re in for a hard game against teams from Merseyside. They may have been relegated last season but that also means they will have players used to playing at a higher level. It will be a good test for us.

Stockport have made a lot of signings over the summer and even at this early stage it I think it is a big game. Teams won't like going playing on their 3G so for me it will be the hardest away fixture of the season

As kick off approaches any other thoughts?
Well I would like to Welcome Ryan Hutchinson on board as part of the 1st team Management. His experience will be invaluable to us. I would also like to welcome all the new signings to the club.

Also, I would like to welcome Rob Wrigley and Craig Buckley as Reserve Team Managers. We have got a big squad to keep fit and happy and the Reserves are playing at a good level in the Manchester League Premier Division. Rob and Craig have great experience and I know them both well so hopefully the Reserves will be run the same way as the first team and we can have two very competitive sides with players challenging each other for places.

I hope that the home fans will continue to get behind us and support us in bigger numbers this season. Everyone has worked hard and we want to be successful as a club and give Prestwich a club to be proud of.