BILLERICAY Town hope to immediately get their eye in tomorrow when they start their new Ryman Premier campaign with a home battle against Hastings.

Manager Matt Jones has always maintained that a poor start to the 2006/07 season ultimately counted against them in their promotion bid.

But he insists: "We're much better prepared this time round with a stronger all-round squad.

"Our poor start and slightly below par finish went against us last year - even though we did great in making the play-off final before losing to Bromley on penalties.

"But we've got more strength in depth this time round. Our summer signings, Southend Manor reserve goalkeeper Jack Buckfield, Paull Abbott in midfield and strikers Tony Boot and Bradley Howes-Garness have added to our squad considerably.

Jones also has high hopes of young former youth team full-back Wayne Semanshia and feels that the club will be able to cope without star names Chris Whelpdale and Nathan Elder, who have moved up to the Football League game.

Midfielder Chris Whelpdale has already made his mark this term with Division Two Peterborough, while striker Elder, after scoring on his debut in the final game of last term, awaits this campaign's start at Division One Brighton.

Said Jones: "Of course we'll miss the quality of players such as Chris and Nathan, but Billericay, while myself and chairman Steve Kent are here, will always be a club looking to progress players to a higher level such as the Football League.

"I'm excited about the new campaign. We've come through a strong pre-season and are pretty clear of injuries now.

"We badly want to get off to a good start and it will be busy as, after tomorrow's match, we go to newly-promoted AFC Hornchurch on Tuesday.

"They have plenty of resources and could be one to watch out for in the months to come.

"But you'd have to look at big-money clubs such as AFC Wimbledon and Chelmsford as likely to be among the pacesetters.

"Having said that having big budgets isn't always a recipe for success.

"Both did well last season, but missed out in the end and teams having lots of cash available certainly puts extra pressure on