AFTER an outstanding second half to last season, which allowed them to finish in a best ever Ryman One North position of 12th, Great Wakering Rovers are being backed as possible promotion hopefuls this season.

But manager Iain O'Connell remains cautious, saying: "Ask me again at Christmas about our chances.

"If we can stay fairly injury-free we could have a chance.

"I rate us as having a better squad than last year.

"All of last term's players have stayed, despite many receiving offers from other clubs, and I'm delighted with summer signing Gary Henty.

"He comes to us with a wealth of experience, including seven years with Billericay Town.

"He'll link up well in midfield with the likes of Sam Clarke and James White, while we also have outstanding wide players such as Steve Butterworth and Joel Ettienne-Clark."

Rovers start their season at home to Waltham Forest and will have little recovery time as they're at Aveley on Monday.

O'Connell rates big-money Dartford, with a superb new stadium, and AFC Sudbury as promotion favourites.