After three poor seasons, there is a fresh feeling of hope and anticipation at the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium as the team gears up for what is expected to be a much more successful season, writes Tony Cunningham.

Manager Steve Wilkes is fully aware that an assault on the top positions in the league is a must this time round.

“This season I started making phone calls with at least 6 weeks of last season remaining. I set out some big name targets along with players that had impressed me throughout the season. Thankfully, we nailed most of the targets.”

It was generally accepted that the team was too lightweight last season, and this league requires more experience and muscle.

“With big names like Andrew Teague and Scott Sephton coming through the door, this allowed me to speak to other players and show them what we want to achieve this season.”

As is always the case, as players come in, inevitably some will move out.

“It’s not all been plain sailing. We lost 3 good players in Tom Walker and Ryan Hamer to Charnock Richard and Chris Thompson to Nelson. Losing two goalkeepers wasn’t ideal, but thankfully we have brought in Brad Rose on a season long loan from Radcliffe. At 19 years of age, I don’t think there’s many better keepers around the Northwest.”

To counter those moving on, newcomers have joined the club.

“I have managed to bring in plenty of experience this summer. Scott Sephton, Luke’s brother is another with experience that has been portrayed to the players.

“Recently we brought in Rob Wilson another with bags of experience.

“Alongside the experience ones, players like Brad Sullivan , Adrian Kendake, Tom Hoyle, Harry Winstanley and Joao Soares.”

The new season kicks off at Pilkington on Saturday before the Rams host Abbey Hey on Tuesday.

Wilkes added: “I’m really looking forward to the start of the season. Expectations are high and rightly so. Hopefully we can get off to a good start and see a few more Ramsbottom United fans through the turnstiles this season.”