DARRAN Walters says Devizes Town head into the new season with expectation rather than hope on their shoulders.

Walters oversaw Devizes’ best season for many a year in 2017-18, guiding them to a fifth-placed finish in Toolstation League First Division.

That has led to the bar being raised at Nursteed Road, and Walters has set his sights on another strong campaign.

“Last season was the best season we’ve had in a long time. We finished fifth, so we definitely want to be up towards that sort of place again,” said Walters.

“There is a feel-good factor here and the moment. I think I have been at the club about six years now, and this is the first time I can remember going into a season with any real expectation.

“People are expecting us to do well, rather than just hoping for it.

“It doesn’t really change much for me as you always want to win every game no matter what the circumstances are.

“We have kept a lot of last season’s squad together and the only player we have really added is Ryan Bole from Melksham. He has played in the league above, so he is a good player and will add something to us.”

Devizes begin the campaign on home turf when they host Cheddar on Saturday before travelling into Somerset to face Radstock Town on Tuesday night.

“I think the league is wide open this year,” said Walters.

“Keynsham and Cheddar are probably the favourites, but other than that, I don’t think there is much between the teams. I can’t see it being any stronger as a division than it was last season.”

“We have Cheddar in the first game, so it’s a tough start for us but we will just go out and try to hit the ground running.

“We have only played a couple of games in pre-season but we kept it short deliberately. We want everyone fresh for the first game.”