Diss Town manager Jon Abbott reveals main aim is to ensure 'feel-good factor' returns to Brewers Green Lane

You will not catch manager Jon Abbott making any ‘bold claims’ with regards to Diss Town’s hopes and ambitions on the pitch in 2019/20.

However, he is clear about one thing and that is ensuring that the feel-good factor returns to Brewers Green Lane over the coming weeks and months.

The previous two seasons have been a tough watch for the Tangerines faithful, who have seen their Step 6 side finish in 12th and 15th position respectively.

Abbott was appointed midway through last term, and while he successfully guided Diss away from any potential relegation danger, he was nevertheless disappointed by the gap that existed to the top teams in the Thurlow Nunn League First Division North.

A busy summer of recruitment has followed, with nine new signings and a number of players departing.

“It has been nice to have the pre-season with a squad that we have put together, instead of continuing to fire-fight like we did last season,” said Abbott.

“I am not going to make any bold claims, but there is no doubt that we want to be competing with the top teams much better this season because we were too far away last year.

“We just want more positivity about the place. Last season was tricky and we need to restore that feel-good factor.

“We were not a million miles away at times but on other occasions you could see the difference.

“It is all about closing the gap to the likes of Lakenheath and Norwich CBS. Are we good enough to do that and win the big games? Time will tell, but I am happy with the squad.”

Another major plus point for Abbott is the return of the club’s reserve side after a two-year absence.

Not only will it help to provide a much-needed link between the under-18s and Abbott’s senior team, but he is also confident that it is another step in helping to return the club to its former glories.

Abbott explained: “With the under-18s and now the reserves, hopefully more local people can buy into what we are doing.

“We need to get the local people back wanting us to do well again.

“Harleston have had a lot of that positivity in the area recently and deservedly so, but a club the size of Diss should have people wanting them to do well.

“I have already said to the lads in the under-18s and reserves that they should not settle for the team they are playing in. Can they make the jump up from under-18s to reserves and then from reserves to the first team? That is what I want to see.

“If we have injuries or suspensions in the first team, I want to know there are lads in both teams I can call upon to play, rather than having to sign one or two new players.

“We want to build a club and not just throw everything into the first team. If you do something like that it will only last a year or two – it is unsustainable.

“We want to create something that is still successful in five or six years – something that is in a much stronger place than when we came in.

“It obviously will not happen overnight but there are plenty of reasons to believe we are moving in the right direction.”

The new campaign gets under way for Diss tomorrow with a lengthy trip to Wisbech St Mary (3pm), followed by the visit of neighbouring Debenham LC on Tuesday (7.45pm).