Eynesbury boss Mark Ducket has urged his players to prove they are no flashes in the pan.
Rovers roared through the Premier Division pack to finish in sixth spot last term after languishing in 18th when he took charge in December.
It was a rapid rise based on hard work and discipline in a league where such jumps usually require a sizable sum of money. Now the challenge for Ducket and his players is sustaining that improvement to again feature in the upper echelons of the standings.
“It’s my first full season in management, and a very important one,” stressed Ducket. “It was pleasing to climb into the top six last season, but also disappointing that we couldn’t finish even higher as we fizzled out in the final few games.
“We’ve retained the vast majority of the squad and added a few pleasing signings to it.
“I’d love to bring some silverware to the club and that is the target for this season along with establishing ourselves in the right area of the table again.
“The Premier Division tends to be a money league with the big payers rising to the top, but I have a group who will stick together, roll up their sleeves and fight for 90 minutes in every game. There will be very few teams capable of outplaying us.
“We have to prove it was no fluke last season and make sure we keep the club going in the right direction. It will be very tough, but I can’t wait and I know the players feel the same.”
Rovers have a home FA Cup clash against Peterborough Northern Star this Saturday. Their first league game is at Wellingborough on Tuesday.
They were dealt a blow on the eve of the campaign when losing young talent Rhys Thorpe to an ankle injury that could rule him out for two months.
But they still boast plenty of attacking options following the summer arrival of Craig Smith (from FA Cup opponents Northern Star) and return of Chris Francis (who had a spell with the club last season).
Ducket also added three new faces to his squad earlier this week.
Defender Daniel Moyes became the second member of the promotion-winning St Ives Town squad of last season to arrive at Hall Road. Midfielder Jack Warwick made the same switch last month.
Another ex-Saint, midfielder Hayden Bream, has also put pen to paper along with Potton full-back Joe Jordan.
EYNESBURY ROVERS
League: United Counties Premier Division
Last season: 6th
Manager: Mark Ducket
New signings: Jamie Greygoose (goalkeeper), Daniel Moyes (defender), Joe Jordan (defender), Hayden Bream (midfielder), Jack Warwick (midfielder), Craig Smith (striker), Chris Francis (striker).
Departures: Lee Bassett (striker), Ollie Sutton (goalkeeper), Alex Marsh (midfielder), Elliot Bentley (defender).
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