LEE Hooper expects Malvern Town to challenge for a play-off place again this season ahead of the start of the 2025/26 campaign.
The Hillsiders just missed out on promotion to Step Three last term following defeat against local rivals Evesham United in the play-off final.
Malvern have since placed Hooper in sole charge of the club after parting company with co-manager Stephen Cleal as part of a restructure.
And Hooper is confident Malvern can achieve a top-five finish again this season ahead of the start of the Southern League Division One South season.
Hooper said: “Our pre-season fixtures are over now and it’s full focus towards the start of the season.
“It has been a good schedule against good opposition who have tested us in different ways and given us different challenges that should stand us in good stead to be ready for the season.
“The squad is looking really good and we are happy with where we are at. The players have really put in the hard work and we are in a good place.
“We will need to be as it is going to be a really competitive league this season and a lot of teams will be pushing for the top end of the table and play-off places.
“Looking at the signings clubs have made and the resources they have available means there are some big hitters in it this season.
“Bishops Cleeve I would put down as the favourites but also the likes of Mousehole, Melksham and I think Shaftesbury look strong also.
“Then the new teams to the league like Swindon Supermarine and Frome who we know are big clubs at this level and Portishead look like they have recruited well also.
“There is a phenomenal amount of travelling again for us this season. We know we will need to be at our best each game to get a result.
“We believe that with the players that we have signed this season that we will be and put us up and around those play-offs again.
“Getting lads to buy into our philosophy at Malvern and want to do well for the club is very important to me.
“Having the fundamentals to give us a base and with a winning mentality to win football matches is a good foundation.
“Creating a strong culture of belief is important. Giving the whole changing room a clear vision that they are capable of beating anyone as a group.”
Malvern begin the season with a home game against Mousehole on Saturday, August 9 with kick-off at 3pm at the HDAnywhere Community Stadium.
