Liskeard Athletic's new East Cornwall Premier League manager Russell Hale is excited at the prospect of the coming campaign.
The former referee managed St Cleer and led them to promotion to the Bodmin Trophies Duchy League Premier Division last term before taking on the task of re-invigorating the Blues after last season's disappointing effort.
None of last term's squad have reported for pre-season training, although Hale admitted: 'I'm
delighted with the signings of Ian Stacey, Steve Rendle, Joe Kennedy, Steve Denton, Danny Sharp and Karl Saunders.
A few of my lads have come over with me from St Cleer, who will be great editions to the team structure. I have, though, signed a number of young lads.'
Hale added: 'Leigh Cooper (first-team manager) was impressed by the effort of my group, so that is positive. We both have stipulated to both teams, especially my lads that they will be looked at for the step up; hopefully I will have one or two pre-season games which will give me an early opportunity to review the quality.'
Liskeard begin the campaign with a long trip to Morwenstow on the opening day, before making the much shorter journey to Torpoint Athletic the following Tuesday.
The Blues need to improve on last term's poor record and, with the next three fixtures all at home – against Biscovey, Bere
Alston United and Wadebridge Town – they will be looking for a reasonable start.
The end-of-season run-in sees them receive Probus for the last fixture, although before that they visit Bude Town, Probus and Lanreath.
The Blues open their pre-season friendly fixtures tomorrow at home against Carlsberg South West Peninsula League outfit Millbrook, with a 3.00 pm kick-off.
The tough programme sees the visit of another Peninsula League side, Foxhole, on Wednesday, July 22 (7.30 pm) before travelling to their third Peninsula League opponents, Elburton Villa (2.30 pm).
The final match is the following Saturday at Duchy League outfit St Teath (3.00 pm).