CANVEY ISLAND/RYMAN PREMIER LEAGUE

Canvey Island have largely under-achieved in recent seasons, and will be looking to finally mount an assault a charge on the play-offs after three straight years in the bottom half of the Ryman Premier League.

The Gulls fell away badly over the middle part of large season, with manager Danny Heale looking for a more consistent performance from his team this campaign.

And Canvey have set up a largely Essex orientated pre-season schedule, with travel priorities high in the manager’s mind with all but two of their fixtures against sides they are used to playing, including East Thurrock and Concord Rangers.

And Heale admits the schedule is one that excites him.

“We have got a few new faces coming in and I am looking to bring in more so they can take part fully in the schedule,” he said. “We have Southend coming here and Phil Brown has said he will bring a first team side so that will be a real test.

“I am not concerned about results as it is about getting to know each other. I want the travelling to be easy so we can get prepared in the right way.

“Concord will give us that tense and fiery fixture which we will all enjoy and East Thurrock will also prove a real test having just gone up. Variety is important.

“I was impressed with the fitness levels at the first training session back and no-one was overweight which is always a bonus so we are looking forward to getting going.”

12/7 Southend United (H) 7.45pm

16/7 Greenwich Borough (H) 3pm

19/7 Leyton Orient XI (H) 7.45pm

23/7 Bowers & Pitsea (H) 3pm

26/7 Great Wakering Rovers (A) 7.45pm

30/7 Concord Rangers (H) 3pm

2/8 East Thurrock United (H) 7.45pm

6/8 Thurrock (H) 3pm