RETURNING Chatteris Town boss Steve Taylor has underlined his determination to bring Ridgeons League football back to West Street.

Taylor left the Lilies in 2000 after guiding them to a fifth-placed finish in the Ridgeons First Division but returned last month to replace departing boss Jimmy Unwin.

The 44-year-old has been impressed by the Chatteris side he has inherited, who have made an encouraging start to their preparations for a new campaign in the Kershaw Premier League.

The Lilies have already drawn 2-2 with Godmanchester Rovers, beat Leverington 1-0 and put in a brave showing in a 4-1 defeat to Ryman League Soham Town Rangers.

Taylor said: “The lads’ attitude has been superb and I have been really impressed with our pre-season so far. I had 42 players down to the first training session so the signs are good.

“The boys finished seventh last year and we want to improve on that - we are aiming for the top three. My ambition is to bring Ridgeons League football back to West Street and that’s what the players want as well.

“It’s a tough ask for us but we only lost six games in the league last year which is encouraging.”

Midfield ace Steven Reid left Chatteris for Wisbech Town earlier this month but Taylor has acted quickly to bolster his squad with three new signings.

Central-midfielder Chris Talton has signed from Huntingdon Town, while winger Ben Green from Somersham Town and striker Mark Boucher from Yaxley have also joined the Lilies.

Taylor said he was hopeful of signing more players before the start of the season. He added: “We are trying to get people interested in the club again - we want to get people back to West Street.”

• Chatteris continue their preparations on Saturday against St Ives Town at West Street (3pm). They will host Wisbech St Mary in a charity cup quarter-final next Tuesday night before welcoming Sawston United to West Street next Thursday night. Both are 7.15pm kick-offs.