Ross McNeilly believes Whitehawk did well on their return to the Isthmian League premier division last season.

But the newly appointed boss has aimed for bigger things than mid-table in the coming campaign.

The Wearsider who was previously with Aldershot and Dorking Wanderers has been reshaping Hawks this summer after the departure of Shaun Saunders.

Significant signings include former Peterborough frontman Chris Whelpdale and ex-Chesham goalkeeper Zaki Oualah while key men have been retained.

Now comes the real thing as Hawks open the league season at Billericay.

McNeilly told The Argus: “Everyone asks me what the goal and target is.

“This club finished ninth last season, which is great, but we have got to do better.

“I am super ambitious as a person, having managed where I have managed and coached where I have coached.

“I always want to win and I wouldn’t be here otherwise.

“As I’m saying that, then the hopes are it is going to be a positive season.

“We have got players like Charlie Walker, Chris Whelpdale, Harry Shooman, Charlie Lambert, Imran Kayani and Zaki Oualah, who are some of the best players in the league.

“If we are not up and being successful, then I’m not doing something right.

“It is up to me to build that cohesion.

“It is up to me to create a group of boys who are resilient.

“The turnover in the summer will never be a positive but we didn’t massively want that. But it is what it is.”

McNeilly has been patient in terms of player recruitment, aware shrewd deals can appear late in the summer, and he recently added Billie Clark and Enoch Mowonge.

But he was keen to instil a style of play during what has been a long series of pre-season friendlies.

He said “Playing out from the back is an interesting one.

“I don’t think it is realistic to always do that.

“If (goalkeeper) Zaki needs to go to his No.9 early or find his wingers or go over the top, then that is still playing out from the back but a more direct emphasis on it.

“We won’t overplay but we will certainly try to be as exciting and front-foot as we can.”

SATURDAY

Vanarama National League, south: Eastbourne Borough v Chesham, Weston Super Mare v Worthing.

Isthmian League, premier division: Billericay v Whitehawk, Cheshunt v Bognor, Chichester v Canvey, Hastings v Horsham, Lewes v Chatham.

Isthmian south central: Deal v Lancing, Eastbourne Town v Beckenham, Margate v East Grinstead, Sevenoaks v Burgess Hill, Steyning v Merstham, Three Bridges v Sheppey.

Southern Combination: Crawley Down Gatwick v Little Common, Crowborough v Shoreham, Hassocks v Wick, Loxwood v Peacehaven, Midhurst v Saltdean, Newhaven v Horsham YMCA, Pagham v Haywards Heath, Petersfield v Eastbourne United, Roffey v Bexhill.

SUNDAY

Isthmian south central: Littlehampton v Herne Bay.