BINFIELD managed Roger Herridge still has his sights set on a top six finish this season – despite undergoing the most challenging pre-season of his managerial career.
The Moles boss has been powerless to prevent several players leaving the club and has worked non stop through summer to replace them.
Dan Weait, Seb Bowerman and Carl Withers have joined Flackwell Heath, whilst Callum Whitty, Dave Woozley, Gary Callaway and Ian Davies have also departed Hill Farm Lane.
Herridge has had to recruit within Binfield's means and it is a youthful looking squad that he takes into the season opener at home to Ardley United on Saturday, with Jemel Johnson the only Binfield player over the age of 24.
The Moles boss admits it's been a difficult few months but it hasn't dampened his enthusiasm for the new season, and he still believes his side are good enough to be competitive.
“We're targetting a top six finish,” he said. “It's a young squad and there's been a lot of change but football is a results business and I see no reason why we can't achieve that.
“It's been my first close season in charge of Binfield and I'd have to say it's been one of the most challenging pre-season's I've had.
“It's been a summer of transition and even though I expected it, there has still been a few surprises along the way.
“Everyone knows Binfield have had a nucleus to the side for the past few years and that it was going to be a big summer. I didn't think it would change to this extent but it has and we've tried to react to that.
“We drew up a list of targets and as usual, we got some and we missed out on some.”
He continued: “I'm excited by the squad we've put together. It's a young squad but with real potential.
“We're still looking to strengthen in a few areas but I'm very happy with what we've got so far.
“There's a few players that will have to learn quickly but I've made them aware of what I expect and I think we're good enough to finish in the top six.
“Winning a couple of FA Cup or FA Vase games plus winning a cup would be a good achievement as well.”
It's a difficult start for Binfield, with seven games in 23 days throughout August.
The first two matches are against Ardley United and Thame United, who both finished in the top six last season.
Herridge admits it's a difficult start but says it's a good chance to lay down a marker for the upcoming season.
“It certainly could've been an easier start,” said the Moles boss. “Ardley are always an experienced side and they'll give us a very good test.
“But you've got to play every team at some point in the season so it doesn't make a huge difference.
“It's a chance to show what we're capable of and Ardley will be looking at it as a tricky fixture themselves.”