Huntingdon will go into the new season with the aim of achieving survival – on merit.

Town finished bottom of the Premier Division last season, but received a reprieve from relegation due to another club folding. They managed only two wins and eight points during a torrid campaign in which they had three different managers.

The last of those, Bob Warby, arrived at the beginning of February and he remains in charge for a first full season.

He goes into it with cautious optimism that Town can find the necessary improvement to compete at this level.

“I’m pleased with where we are,” said Warby. “We’re actually a bit further ahead of where I expected us to be at this stage.

“That is down to the lads buying into everything we have asked of them during pre-season. Their effort and performance in training has been phenomenal.

“But we’re well aware that we have a long road ahead to hit the chairman’s target of staying up on merit.

“I believe that is a realistic goal for what is the most spirited bunch of players I’ve ever known . . . and I’ve been involved in football for a long time.

“Ultimately we will be judged on results and we have to ensure we pick up a lot more than we did last season.

“It is important to start a season well, but we’ll adopt the approach that the next game is always the biggest one.”

Prolific striker Addie Staffieri, formerly of Division One side Blackstones, is the most notable of the many new signings made by Warby. Paul Richardson, who helped to fire Outwell Swifts to promotion in the Cambs League last season, is another attacking addition.

Romanian midfielder Paul Ardelean, who has moved to the area from Spain, and French defender Simon Sea, a Cambridge University student, add a cosmopolitan look to the squad.

Warby has also been successful in retaining a core of players from last term while he now hopes his side can attract the local public to Jubilee Park.

He added: “I want the boys to be supported and the effort they’re putting in deserves that. I’m well aware the crowds weren’t great even when Huntingdon were being successful, but hopefully we can get the fans to come along.”

Huntingdon kick-off with an FA Cup extra preliminary round trip to Premier Division rivals Yaxley tomorrow. Their first league match is next Wednesday, August 10 at Peterborough Northern Star.

HUNTINGDON TOWN

League: United Counties Premier Division

Last season: Bottom (reprieve from relegation)

Manager: Bob Warby

New signings: Richard Roberts (goalkeeper), Chris Laming (goalkeeper), Dan Woodhead (defender), Ryan Peacock (defender), Elliot Luxford (defender), Simon Sea (defender), Karl Anderson (defender), Mark Langille (defender), Alfie Oakman (defender), Andrew Chapman (midfielder), Michael Chow (midfielder), Mark Lloyd (midfielder), Paul Ardelean (midfielder), Addie Staffieri (striker), Paul Richardson (striker).

Departures: Lee Brooks (goalkeeper), Guy Mailancol (midfielder), Jake Shepherd (striker).