Lift Off! Concord Want Improvement This Season

At times last season, things looked ominous for the Essex-based club but in the end, Concord secured their National League status by six points.

This season promises to be different for Adam Flanagan's youthful side following an encouraging pre-season.

“We have got out of pre-season what we wanted too with respects to match minutes and an overview of the new squad," he told the club's website. "I think the new players are setting in very well and that we all of us are looking forward for the new season to begin."

“My first expectation for the season is to have a much improved one on last year as for many reasons it was a difficult one for everyone involved in and around the club. My expectations after that is to be extremely competitive in every game and that this young squad believe in themselves and try to fulfil the promise I see in them."

Concord travel to Wealdstone on Saturday for their season opener, the first of seven games in the month. Flanagan added: "Over the last two seasons our form at the start has been poor. With a young squad it will be important that we get off to a good start and build momentum quickly so August will be a pivotal month.

"The good thing about playing so many games in a short period is that it enables us to utilise the whole squad and every player will have a role to play. Also once out of this period it will give you a good indication on how you are looking compared to other teams.”