Heacham manager Paul Hunt insists his side are “in it to win it” this season as they prepare for their second full campaign under his leadership.
Hunt believes a carefully blended squad of experience and youthful energy has what it takes to make a serious push.
The Magpies begin their Thurlow Nunn Premier Division campaign with a trip to Hadleigh tomorrow before entertaining Fakenham Town in a Tuesday night derby.
Despite the summer departures of several key players, including Nathan Davies, Ben Dear, Shane Akers, Aaron Watson and Josh Williams, Hunt has remained calm and upbeat, insisting the club has moved forward with purpose.
“Ben and Nathan had been with the club their whole senior careers,” Hunt said.
“They just fancied a new challenge. They left the right way and we wish them all the best. That’s football, doors close, others open.”
The Heacham boss is confident that those departures will mean exciting opportunities for others.
Among the new arrivals are midfielder Jake Poore, young forward Callum Wright, attacking midfielder Harvey Easton, defender Joey Ellis O’Hara and goalkeepers Terry Silva and Alex Oughton.
Last season’s under-18s captain, Jack Parker, has made the step up to the first team squad, as has Tom Beattie.
“I’ve been watching Joey for a couple of years and always rated him,” said Hunt.
“He’s strong, quick, and fits in perfectly. Jake’s been superb in training, really composed, and Harvey and he’s one of those with huge potential.”
The development of last season’s youngsters into full first-team contenders is also a major source of optimism.
“The likes of Harvey Pightling, Conall Forde, and Sam Smith have been excellent this pre-season. They’ve matured and are hungry. They’re not fringe players anymore.”
Hunt is equally pleased with the appointment of Andy Wood as assistant manager following the departure of Royce Rawlings.
“Andy’s been superb,” he said.
“His knowledge, experience, and attitude have been great for the group and he can still play a bit too.”
One key decision this summer was installing Callum Robinson as club captain.
“He’s a natural leader,” said Hunt.
“He’s calm, great on the pitch, and brilliant with the young lads. You don’t pick leaders, people follow them. That’s Cal.”
Pre-season has gone well, with Hunt praising the squad’s progression and mentality: “We’ve built steadily. It’s been positive throughout. Win, lose or draw, the attitude’s been spot on.”
Looking ahead, Hunt isn’t setting conservative targets.
“I’m never about just improving on last year,” he said.
“I want to win it. We’re in this to win it. That’s the mentality I want every player to have.”
With a more favourable set of early home cup draws and a far more settled squad than last year’s injury-hit start, the Heacham boss is hopeful of not just a league challenge but a proper go in the cups too.
“Last season, we were stretched thin, playing 16-year-olds in Step 5,” he said.
“But those lads are now looking like seasoned players. It’s paid off. This time, we’ve got depth, experience and energy.”
With a united dressing room, a focused squad, and a manager with clear ambition, the signs are that the Magpies could well take a few more teams by surprise this season.
“We’re not weaker than last year,” Hunt insisted.
“We’re more vibrant, more together, and ready to go.”
