SEDGLEY Tigers coach Geoff Roberts is targeting promotion and believes he now has a squad good enough to achieve it.

In the past two years, the Park Lane outfit has narrowly missed out on promotion from National League Two North after finishing in fourth and third place, and Roberts is hoping his side can go one better by landing a spot in the top two places this season.

"After finishing so close in the last couple of years we feel we are going to be there or thereabouts again," Roberts told the Bury Times.

"We would really like to have another crack at promotion and take it that one step further this time and I believe we have the team to do it."

The Tigers, who begin their league campaign at home to Broadstreet in just over two weeks time, struggled with injuries last season, particularly in the second row area.

And with long-term absentees Oli Parkinson and Mike Quickenden ruled out of the early season campaign with knee injuries, Roberts has been busy recruiting to resolve that issue.

The Park Lane coach has snapped up 12 new signings during the summer with hooker Jonny Mathews and second row Jimmy Lloyd both returning.

Fellow second row player Parkinson has re-signed while former Sale Shark Ben Lloyd, who has previously spent time on loan at Park Lane, is also back.

Other new signings include prop forward Harri Grenville, second row Bob Birtwell and back row trio Danny Waddy, Andy Howarth and Sean Manley.

To bolster the attack in come fly-half Rhodri Carlton Jones, centre Tom Bedlow and winger Sam Lowthion.

"We've got a bit more cover in the second row area now with more flexibility and inter-change opportunities," said Roberts.

"Players like captain Juan Crous, Jimmy Lloyd, Manley and Mike Quickenden can all play in the back row or second row.

"When you've got that potential it really does help with injuries and suspensions. It's a massive bonus."

And so far Roberts has been impressed with the quality of the new boys.

"The squad is looking good," he said.

"Birtwell has come in from Rochdale, so he's stepping up a couple of leagues, and has done well, while Ben Lloyd, who hasn't played for a year because of a shoulder injury, has looked sharp in training and I see him as being quite a tool in our box.

"New head coach Dean Schofield has come in and is focusing on the armament of our forward play

"And when the nasty weather days come we will be prepared as I think that's an area where we've fallen down in the past too."

Former Fylde centre Mike Waywell impressed as the Tigers lost 63-38 at home to Flyde in their first pre-season friendly.

Despite the defeat, Roberts was delighted with the performance.

"We had a squad of 26 players and about half of those were on show during the game," he said.

"Both teams put their strongest sides out in the first quarter and I thought we showed some nice touches of class.

"Fylde had more players in their squad which meant they dominated the final two quarters but at this stage of the season it's all about getting the miles in the legs.

"Overall I thought it was a good exercise and a pleasing display."

The Tigers play their second pre-season match at Championship side Doncaster Knights this Saturday, before kicking off their league campaign on September 5.

"Doncaster will be a good test as they are two leagues above us, while the opener against Broadstreet will also be tough," said Roberts.

"They are a good side and were very strong on their own patch last year."