The Bees finished eighth in the table last season, and Smital revealed he would be happy with a similar placing that would guarentee play-off hockey at the Hive come the end of the season.

Bracknell enjoyed a perfect end to their pre-seson preparations with successive 3-2 victories over Swindon Wildcats home and away last weekend.

And Smital is happy with the squad he has brought together, though he admits the club have to ensure they don’t look too far ahead.

“We’re happy with the squad and confident that it fits the style that we want to achieve,” said the Bees head coach. “I was quite surprised at how well we did against Swindon which was pleasing to see but it means nothing if we can’t repeat that.

“Our target is to make the play-offs and it always has been. It’s important to build the foundations and build the franchise little by little.

“We’re looking at the play-offs and anything higher would be a welcome bonus, but we have to be realistic.

“It is unlikely that we will go from eighth place to second in one season so it’s all about building towards our little goals.

“Reaching the play-offs again would be a fantastic achievment and that is what we’re looking for first and foremost.” The Bees had their play-off hopes dashed last season with defeat against Manchester Phoenix, and they welcome them to the Hive this Saturday (6pm) for the season’s curtain-raiser.

Smital is looking forward to welcoming them back to the Hive and is eager to get the new season underway.

“It’ll be a difficult game as they’re a top team,” acknowledged Smital. “But we’re ready to go and we’re eager to get going.

“It’s a tough start but there won’t be many easy games this season and we’ll approach it as we approach every game.

“It’s taken a while to get here but we can’t wait to get started.” The Bees’ clash with Manchester will be followed by a trip to Telford Tigers this Sunday (5.30pm).