County League football preview

They travel to East Grinstead on Saturday in County League Division 2 after winning the Division 3 title last season.

Blues manager Gareth Davies said: "I cannot wait to get started. We have worked hard for this opportunity and we fully intend to make the most of it.

"For a small club like us, with no budget and limited resources, it's a huge season. The players want to do well and the attitiude in pre-season has been excellent, so I have every confidence we can justify our senior status."

On his aims for the season, Davies said: "Our aim is survival and maintaining our senior status. We have set a target of 40 points. If we achieve that, I think we will be safe. Anything over and above that is a bonus and we would love a good cup run but we know this year will be a huge test for us.

"Littlehampton, East Grinstead and Wealden have all publicly stated they expect to be challenging for promotion. We, on the other hand, will quietly go about our work and know our objective is progression over the next few years."

In: Lee Gibbs (Worthing United), Joe Cumber. Out: Ryan Walton (East Preston).

LITTLEHAMPTON boss Trevor Waller wants his side to be pushing for an immediate return back into Division 1.

They were relegated, bottom of Division 1, last season but have brought in several new players and re-established their Reserves side.

Waller said: "Obviously, we want to get back up into Division 1. With the players we have signed, I think we have an excellent chance. We also hope to raise a bit of funds by having a run in the FA Cup or FA Vase.

"Hopefully, we'll get that bit of luck which we didn't get all last season. I'm really looking forward to it."

In: Jim Smith, Lee Barnard, Simon Clayton, James Bennett, Duncan Barnes (all Arundel), Dan Jarvis, Gavin Heater (both Wick), Dean Fuller (Clymping), James Everett, Howard Neighbour.

EAST PRESTON boss Chris White is looking for a top six finish in Division 1.

He said: "Our aims are to finish as high as we can and I think we should be aiming for the top six.

"I was a little disappointed with the way we finished last season when we lacked a bit of consistency. It's important that we get off to a good start."

In: Richard Carter (Shoreham), Ryan Walton (Rustington), Paul Williams (Wick), Michael Hunter (Worthing), Marc Cooper. Out: Tom Rand (Horsham YMCA).

RICHARD TOWERS is Division 1 Arundel's new manager for the upcoming season, having replaced Vic Short.

Towers' assistant-manager Simon Butler said: "We are looking to push on this season. Richard's got cover in all the right areas and we'll look to carry on where we left off last year.

"It would be nice to win a cup and continue to be in the top three or four."

In: Chris Hibberd (Shoreham), Asa Nicholson, Matt Axell (both Wick), Scott Towers (Sidlesham), Michael Eynon (Whyteleafe). Out: Jim Smith, Lee Barnard, Simon Clayton, James Bennett, Duncan Barnes (all Littlehampton).

MICK CATLIN is now joint-manager at Wick with Carl Stabler. On the season, Catlin said: "We'll be looking to finish in the top six, although would like to finish in the top two.

"I think it will be one of the most competitive leagues for a few seasons and we hope to be in amongst it at the top.

"We've got a squad capable of being up there and we just need them all to gel quickly."

In: Paul Jones, Neil Murfin, Scott Murfin, Russell Hardwell, Anthony Ender, Ben Buckland (all Chichester), Dominic Shepherd (Southwick), Clay Lamont (Burgess Hill), Gareth Green (Whitehawk), Dave Leaver (Worthing), Owen Elias (Fareham). Out: Paul Williams (East Preston), Tony Miles (Lancing).