Lancing are back where they belong according to manager Andy Gander.

The next task is to stay there.

Gander's side kick off the new Rich City County League season at home to Selsey tomorrow and Gander is not setting any wild predictions for the campaign ahead.

Gander said: "I have heard people talk about consolidation. But consolidation is not something we have spoken about.

"We are just looking to do the best we can. If that means a mid-table finish then so be it.

"As long as we are still in there at the end of the season, then that's all that matters."

In recent years, Lancing have been better known for their facilities rather than the football team. Their Culver Road home is the headquarters of Sussex football and, for a while, the team has been almost incidental.

That changed with promotion from division two last season, although it came about in bizarre circumstances.

Crawley Down finished above Lancing in the third promotion spot, but then Gander's side were suddenly elevated above their rivals.

The County FA had stalled on a decision over a match between Mile Oak and Lancing. The game had ended in a 1-1 draw but Mile Oak fielded an ineligible player and Lancing were awarded three points. It was enough to lift them above Crawley Down by a single point.

Although the circumstances of promotion were strange, Gander is delighted the club is back in the top flight of Sussex soccer.

Gander, who made his managerial debut last year, said: "Lancing is a big club and it is quite right with the facilities we have that we are back in division one.

"There is a bit of a gap opening up between the divisions facilities-wise and it was important to go up last year."

Gander has spent the summer making only minor adjustments to his squad.

Des Guille has moved to Burgess Hill but the rest of the promotion-winning side have stayed together.

There have been a couple of additions, including former Horsham goalkeeper Duncan Green.

Neil Richardson, one of three players with 13 goals last season, is a slight doubt for tomorrow's opener, along with full back Ollie Howcroft, who has an ankle knock.

The other two promoted sides, Sidlesham and Arundel, are at home to Burgess Hill and Three Bridges respectively.