Assistant boss Tim Cole insists that Holbeach United are well-equipped for another strong season in the Uhlsport UCL Premier Division.
Fifth last time around, Cole reckons that the Tigers have a stronger and more competitive squad this season ahead of Saturday’s Carter’s Park opener against newboys Loughborough University (3pm) and Tuesday night’s derby at much-fancied Boston Town (7.45pm).
The number two, who will take charge of the side on Saturday due to boss Danny Hussey being on holiday, admits that finishing in the top four is again the aim for the men in black and yellow.
But Cole says all at the club are looking forward to the expected rivalry with neighbours Deeping Rangers, Boston Town and Pinchbeck United.
He said: “We’re obviously aiming to finish in the top four this season, that’s always the target.
“Pre-season has gone well. We’ve added a few good players and had a few decent results.
“I think the 2-2 draw with Stamford showed us that we were near the level required ability-wise and our fitness has also looked great.
“We’ll look to be the top local side if we can be, but both Deeping Rangers and Boston Town have had good pre-seasons and we’ll have to look to compete with them.
“The squad looks stronger now and there is plenty of competition for places, which is key.
“We’ll look to be more competitive and try to improve on last year’s performance.”
Saturday’s opponents Loughborough kicked off their season last Sunday, beating a new-look Cogenhoe United side 1-0 as part of the Groundhop.
Cole admits that he and Hussey know little about their upcoming opponents, but expects them to be strong and youthful.
He’s also looking forward to the trip to rivals Boston on Tuesday, conceding that their boss Gary Edgley has done a great job in the transfer market over the summer.
“I don’t think anybody knows a lot about Loughborough yet,” said the number two. “They obviously won at Cogenhoe, who I hear had a few missing.
“They’ve got a lot of young players who have had experience in the youth section of clubs higher up the ladder, but you could say that about a lot of UCL players.
“Is it a good time to play them? I don’t really know. I imagine they’ll improve as the season goes on, but it’s a step into the unknown.
“As for Boston, they’ve had a great summer. You have to give Gary plenty of credit, their squad looks strong. It’s early for a derby game, but it should be a good one.”
Holbeach concluded their pre-season games with a 3-0 win against Wisbech Town on Tuesday night. Ex-Fenmen Josh Ford and Jon Fairweather shared the goals.
After the game, striker Michael Frew agreed to sign for the Tigers in what is a big transfer coup.
