ROYSTON Town boss Paul Attfield is looking for to the new campaign, with his side set to kick-off their pre-season friendlies against Bedford FC at Barkway s ground this Saturday. The club had originally planned a match at Cheshunt, but this had been canc

ROYSTON Town boss Paul Attfield is looking for to the new campaign, with his side set to kick-off their pre-season friendlies against Bedford FC at Barkway's ground this Saturday.

The club had originally planned a match at Cheshunt, but this had been cancelled, and with the club's pitch at Garden Walk not available until August 1 the club has organised six away friendlies to get them underway in preparation for the new season.

"I am delighted with the schedule as all the games are against physically good and talented sides which will be similar to what we will be facing this season.

"The amount of games is perfect for gaining serious match fitness levels and to get ourselves fully ready for the big kick off on August 8.

"I am thoroughly looking forward to the campaign as is the whole club in general.

"Expectation levels throughout the club are high but this is a tremendously tough league to get out of and although we were successful on a number of occasions against Premier Division sides in the cups last season playing them week in week out will be mentally and physically tough."

Attfield began pre-season training last Thursday and believes every one of his players from last season will be back this time around, but there could be several additions.

"We now have eight contracted players which is great news for the club.

"As far as I know everyone is staying from last season with most attending the first session apart from a few on summer holidays still.

"We now have eight contracted players which is great news for the club and in the next few weeks we shall concentrate hard on getting general fitness and match fitness levels up to competitive levels.

"I have had a number of enquiries from players wishing to join and these players will be joining the squad over pre season.

"We will evaluate their credentials and see if they can offer the club something and strengthen us in any department.

"Overall though I haven't gone out looking for players as I feel the squad we have deserves the chance to prove themselves at the new level after last season's success so I wouldn't expect much tinkering at all."

The Crows have been drawn away to London APSA in the second qualifying round of the FA Vase, with the tie to take place on September 19, and away to Stansted in the Extra Preliminary Round of the FA Cup on August 15.

Attfield said he was happy with both draws.

"Last season in three FA Cup games and two FA Vase games we played higher status team than ourselves. This year the opening rounds present challenges against teams in the equivalent or lower leagues than ourselves so the games are certainly winnable and give us every opportunity of progressing if we play well enough.