LAST season's target for Tonbridge Angels manager Tommy Warrilow was a play-off spot and he duly achieved it, managing to secure the club's highest finish in their history.

Twelve months later and the picture at the club is remarkably different.

The squad of last year has been trimmed down, although notably the spine of the team has been preserved, a new chairman and board have been installed and Warrilow concedes he doesn't know exactly how the season will pan out.

"Compared to the end of last season, I am a lot more positive about things," Warrilow said. "Things are settling down off the pitch, we have a sponsor now, are getting some advertising boards sold down at the ground and hopefully that can continue.

"I just hope that the people of the town will come out and support the team, as this year we need them more than ever. Some of the pre-season games haven't been that well attended, but I am hoping that the supporters will come down on Saturday and cheer the team on. A lot of the squad have taken pay cuts in their salary because they want to play for the club, they believe in what we are trying to do down here.

"I have 12 or 13 senior players with the right experience and then the rest of the squad will be made up of reserves and youth players. I will be taking it month by month, in regards to suspensions and injuries, but everyone has to be realistic about the season ahead.

"I am looking forward to the season starting and as I have said before, it is another challenge for me. I will be aiming to finish as high as possible and I certainly won't be managing a team there to make up the numbers."

Warrilow has been pleased with his side's pre-season form going into tomorrow's opening fixture at the Longmead, home to AFC Hornchurch, one of Angels' bogey sides.

The team have managed five wins, one draw and one loss, with the 3-2 victory over Ebbsfleet the stand-out result and, with a number of new players catching the eye, it has been a useful pre-season programme.

"We have tried a different system this year, because of the players that are available. It is not a bad thing at all and a lot of managers, even at the professional level, are trying out different formations. We have a plan A and B and now we have plan C, which is good for the season ahead. The first half against Welling was the best we have played in pre-season.

"The new lads that have come in have done well. Liam Baker, who came out of the Kent Youth team, has done very well and Paul Butler and Sonny Miles are on forms now. Siggy (Jean-Michel Sigere) has come in so I have real quality up front with Rooky, Cadey and Boothy to choose from. We also have Steffan Ball training with us. It didn't work out for him at Tooting and he gives me another option, as he can play on the left or right wing. We will be talking to him this week."

Warrilow has some decisions to make over who plays alongside Scott Gooding in central defence against AFC Hornchurch. One of his summer signings, Nick Davis, has an Achilles problem, so is unavailable. Butler looks likely to get the nod.

Angels will also be missing their first choice goalkeeper Lee Worgan, who has to serve a two-match ban, and Warrilow hopes to bring someone in to deputise between the posts. Carl Rook, who has been on trial at League One side Brighton and Hove Albion, will be available for selection.

If the squad can steer clear of injuries and suspensions then Angels could prove to be a dark horse for a play-off spot, especially with the embarrassment of riches they have in the striking department.

Let the season commence!

Live updates are back. Visit www.thisiskent.co.uk/angelslive from 2.45pm tomorrow

Turn to page 88 for more Angels news