Collier: National League South So Much Stronger Now

The manager thinks it will be even harder to compete as the division has become “much stronger” this summer.

Collier points to the likes of full-time Torquay United and Woking coming down, plus ambitious clubs arriving from the Bostik League and Southern League.

Not only that, but the Bluebirds boss says solid recruitment from the clubs already in the league last year will also make life difficult.

But he says just because the league will be a huge challenge he doesn’t see why Chippenham can’t be a part of things at the right end.

He said: “We’re really looking to progress, year-on-year you want to try and better what you did the year before.

“Last season we stayed up and finished in a good position. Now we want to get better.

“But we also know it’s going to be an even more difficult division. Torquay have signed some good players, as have Woking. Players that achieved last season.

“The teams who have joined the National League South from both ends will look to have a go at it. The likes of Billericay are very ambitious and the others won’t want to stand still either. They’re dangerous.

“The teams who were up there last season who didn’t go up have all strengthened, with Welling now managed by Steve King. Concord have signed well, and Chelmsford and Dartford are always very, very difficult.

“It’s a big league but we think we have added some good players. I’m happy with what we’ve done.”