AFC TOTTON’S management and players have slightly differing opinions on what the club can achieve in the Evo-Stik Southern One South & West this season.

While team boss Steve Hollick and his coaching staff view “anything in the top ten” as a realistic target, the players want more, writes Wendy Gee.

Hollick, who has given the squad a major overhaul this summer, backed by coaches Lee Burch, Dave Rowland and Jamie Cotton, said: “Given the club’s financial problems of the past, we still maintain that anything in the top ten will be a good season.

“But, secretly, I think the players probably want a bit more. They’re looking at the play-offs – and rightly so. We’ve made some good signings and there’s a belief in the group that we can do well.

“The management team and chairman are probably a bit more reserved and I don’t think it would be too disappointing if we missed out this year. The main thing is that we’ve got something to build on and, providing we keep learning and improving, we’ll take that.”

With the likes of Nick Watts, Dave Allen, Luke Dempsey, Marc Diaper, Chris Manning, Mark Lilley and Neil Williams now on board, along with returning crowd favourite Mike Gosney, Totton have a far more experienced air about them this term.

“We’ve got a small, but nice, squad with a couple versatile players who will help us through the injuries and suspensions that we know we’ll inevitably get,” said Hollick “Pre-season has been really positive and we’ve been pretty spot on in our preparation with a good mix of friendlies.

“The coaching staff have worked really hard with the lads.”

Totton – 15th last term - kick off the new campaign at Taunton Town on Saturday before hosting their home opener against Wantage on Tuesday.

Manning, a teacher, is unavailable through holiday commitments, while Diaper – son of Sholing boss, Dave – will be rested as a precaution after picking up a slight calf injury.