Manager Steve Appleby is feeling upbeat about his squad prior to the new campaign but is still hoping to strengthen his options before the big kick-off at Leiston on Saturday August 7.

MANAGER Steve Appleby is feeling upbeat about his squad prior to the new campaign but is still hoping to strengthen before the big kick-off at Leiston on Saturday August 7.

Appleby said: “I’m happy with what we have got and the players that we have bought in are excellent. Yet we are always looking to improve and hope to bring in a bit more quality if we can.

“As a manager you’ve got to keep your ears and eyes to the ground. If we can add to the squad it gives us every chance to finish as high as we can this season.”

Appleby, who took over in February from Gary Setchell, has enjoyed his first few months in charge and believes he benefited from taking over towards the end of last season.

He said: “I think in one sense I was quite lucky to take over in February as I had three months to try a few things out. We had good players here already so that helped too. We’ve got a good set of lads at the club and we’re all hoping to do better than last year.”

Even though the side have lost goalkeeper Alex Street, voted most improved player at the club last season and top scorer Scott Cubberley the Fenmen boss refuses to complain.

He added: “We have lost two or three players to Lynn and a few others have gone but these things happen in football. We have replaced them and we’re determined to get on with things. We’ve seen a lot of players too so it’s not a problem.”

The club now look forward to moving into their new home, The Tom Wood’s Beer Fenland Stadium on Lynn Road, in time for their first home game against St Andrews in the F.A Cup on Saturday August 14.

Pre-season training and home friendlies have taken place at Outwell this summer and Wisbech Town came from behind at their temporary home to draw Saturday’s (July 24) friendly with local neighbours Spalding United.

The visitors took the lead after 20 minutes but Ash Stevens, who scored his fifth goal in four friendlies, equalised for the Fenman. Stevens latched onto Craig Parker’s throughball before rounding the keeper to slot home from close range.

The sides remaining friendly is away to Holbeach United this Friday.