Nev Nania says he and his new co-manager Matty Haniver will be keeping faith with the players that showed the club so much commitment last season – but there will also be room for some new faces in the Godmanchester Rovers squad.

The team finished fifth in the Premier Division of the Eastern Counties League but could have ended the season higher with the title still there for the taking in the final weeks. It was the second fifth place finish for the club in two seasons in the Premier Division following promotion from Division One on 2012.

“Of course we are looking for quality, but it is commitment that is our number one priory,” said Nania. “We are keeping the faith in those players who stuck together for us last season.

“Matty Haniver, Nicky Hurst [the assistant manager] and I have been meeting and the majority of the players from last season want to carry it on. So it is up to us to top up the squad with the necessary skills to close up the gap to the top.”

Pre-season training for Goddy begins on Tuesday, July 1 and the club will have its first friendly the following Saturday at Stilton United, who play in the Premier Division of the Peterborough & District League.

Further friendlies will follow against Foxton (home, July 12), Potton United (home, July 15), Yaxley (away, July 19), Deeping Rangers (July 22), Cambridge City (home, July 26), Over Sports (away, July 29) and Soham Town Rangers (away, August 2).

The Eastern Counties season starts on Saturday, August 9 this year.