Salisbury FC manager Brian Dutton on hopes for the season

That's the view of the current Whites manager Brian Dutton, who is enjoying an unbeaten start to the season at the Ray Mac. 

Dutton took over as manager at the club where he enjoyed success as a player in October last year, following the departure of Steve Claridge. 

After "counting down the days" to the end of last season, Dutton is hoping to create some positive momentum this season. 

The club are undefeated so far, with two wins and two draws from their first four games.

"We’re hopeful that we are just going to get stronger as the season goes on", he said. 

James Harding celebrates after scoring against Swindon Supermarine. Picture by John Rose. (Image: John Rose)

"Anybody who was here on Tuesday night against Swindon Supermarine were enjoying what they were seeing, and that’s what we want. 

"People turning up in their droves and enjoying the atmosphere and the occasion.”

On his hopes for the new season, Dutton says: "We finished 15th last season, and 15th the season before that, so to take a group that’s finished close to the relegation zone the past two seasons and get them into the playoffs would be a hell of an achievement.

"I know it’s a bit cliché, but we need to take each game as it comes and not get too ahead of ourselves. It's easy to be left with egg on your face if you say you’re going to finish in a certain position." 

There is also the possibility of a cup run. 

The draw has been made for the first Qualifying Round of the FA Cup, and the Whites are playing at home against Bridgwater United on September 2.

Dutton added: "That [a cup run] would be great. If you offered the fans two options: 1. Being in and around the playoffs or 2. A top half-finish with a really good cup run, it would be a coin toss at what they decide.

"A lot of fans want a cup run because they have been denied it for a while now. Those occasions stay with the fans and we want to deliver that but a lot of it is luck with cup competitions but we will do our best." 

Manager Brian Dutton is hoping for some positive momentum. Picture by John Rose (Image: John Rose)

New additions to the squad are: Josh Gould, who Dutton says is the best goalkeeper in the league, Aaron Simpson, Jamaal Smith, Sido Jombati (who has been made captain), Tom Bragg, Ryan Penny, Theo Lewis, Aaron McCreadie, Charlie Gunson, James Harding, Josh Hedges and Noah Coppin 

The only three players left from last season are Dan Fitchett, Josh Sommerton, and Devon Arnold. 

Salisbury drew 0-0 with Hendon last Saturday. 

They take on Hungerford Town at home at home this weekend, before travelling to Winchester City on the Bank Holiday Monday (August 28).