A number of last season's squad opt to remain with Framlingham Town

Framlingham Town manager Liam Abraham is pleased to have retained the majority of last season’s squad.

The 2018/19 campaign proved to be a baptism of fire for the Castlemen, who finished bottom of the pile in their first ever campaign in the Thurlow Nunn League Premier Division.

However, Abraham believes his side will have improved for those experiences ahead of their return to the First Division North.

“It is a really positive thing to have kept a lot of the lads together,” said Abraham, who took charge from Mel Aldis last summer.

“There are a lot of local lads in the squad and they have really bought in to what we want to do at the club.

“Without a shadow of a doubt they will have learned a lot from last season.

“We might have finished bottom but when you look back at the season we were not a million miles away.

“There was a lot of close games – 11 of our defeats were just by one goal so it shows we were not far away.

“I am really comfortable with the squad we have. If someone becomes available that we like then we will look at it, but if that does not happen I will not be upset.”

The retained list at Badingham Road includes familiar faces Anthony Johnson, captain James Mayhew and striker Danny Smith, while defender Adam Horn is a new signing.

Framlingham started their pre-season on Saturday with a 9-2 friendly win over Trimley Red Devils, with Isthmian North outfit Felixstowe & Walton United set to visit last night.

They will also be in action tomorrow when Premier Division outfit Walsham-le-Willows will be their visitors (3pm) before Abraham takes his team to face Whitton United on Tuesday (7.45pm).