HORNDEAN boss Michael Birmingham is looking forward to the new Wessex League season.
The Deans begin their league campaign with a trip to Fareham Town next Tuesday night (August 1, kick-off 7.45pm).
The Five Heads Park outfit had a successful season last time out, finishing in sixth place in the Wessex League Premier Division with 76 points, and Birmingham hopes his side can build on that this season.
“I’m looking forward to it,” said Birmingham.
“Fareham is a tough start for us as Pete Stiles worked wonders there last year when he took over and they were one of the form sides at the end of the season.
“It will be a very tough league this year as there is a lot of money in the league.
“Every game we go into is difficult, and we take it one game at a time.
“The boys know what I require though and we go into the season feeling confident.”
Horndean’s second league game of the season is a home match against AFC Portchester on August 8.
“We all know about Sus (Ian Saunders), who is a very passionate football man,” said Birmingham.
“Portchester is a sleeping giant, and they will be up there this year.”
The East Hampshire derbies between Horndean and Petersfield Town return this year, with the first match at Love Lane on October 24, and the return match at Five Heads Park on January 13.
“Petersfield had a difficult season last year but they have built a good side and they have a good chairman,” said Birmingham.