THE Essex Senior League

Basildon United finished second last year but a lot has changed over the summer at the Longman Motors Stadium.

Mostly notably the man in charge, with Aaron Bloxham stepping into the void vacated by Craig Gillam.

And Bloxham has been busy this summer, bringing in a host of playing, including many from his former side White Ensign.

Basildon travel to Waltham Forest in their first match of term tomorrow, a team that finished third from bottom last year and accumulated just a third of the points that the Bees managed.

And Bloxham believes they will be a very different proposition.

“I would like nothing more than three points tomorrow but I don't expect Waltham Forest to be anything like they were last year,” he said. “They will be further up the table but we will be going all out to win the game which will help give us confidence going into the other games.

“We have put together a squad who may lack experience but they will play with no fear. We believe this group are very talented and have time on their side to improve.

“But I want to make sure everyone enjoys this season and buys into what we are trying to do.

“We want to be top of the league and a win a cup come the end of the season but we will find our feet in the first five games and then decide on our target.

“Basildon had a great season last year and it will be a tough act to follow but we will give it a good shot and see what happens.”

Hullbridge Sports begin at home against Takeley, and their manager Rob Hodgson is another in buoyant mood ahead of the new campaign.

Despite some heavy pre-season defeats, Sports’ manager has backed his squad to return to the lofty heights of two years ago, and is targeting a fast start.

“I am looking forward to getting going,” he said. “The season is starting earlier so it feels like we haven’t had a break but we are ready.

“At this level a lot can happen over the summer. I heard Takeley have a brought in a lot of Sawbridgeworth Town players which will make them a tougher opposition but we will have to see tomorrow.

“We have played Ryman clubs in pre-season and, despite the results, the boys have benefitted from playing against that level of opposition.

“I want to improve on the FA Vase run as we have got to the last 32 consistently and to go one better would be nice. As for the league, we were 4th two years ago and 11th last year so I will be aiming for the top five this year and there is no reason why we can’t.

“We have a really big squad and have plenty of options. And no-one has left either. Keeping hold of Luke Hornsley was a big plus and he is happy so we all want to push on.”

Southend Manor begin their season in the FA Cup next weekend.