Long Stratton manager looking for more of the same following a quiet summer on the transfer front

Manager Adam Burroughs may not have added to his Long Stratton squad over the summer, but he is nevertheless confident that another positive season is in store.

In what was Burroughs’ first campaign in charge, Stratton broke a number of club records on their way to finishing third in the Hadley & Ottaway Anglian Combination Premier Division during 2018/19.

The boss had hoped to bring in a couple of fresh faces during the break, but as yet no deals have come to fruition.

However, having kept hold of the previous term’s squad, Burroughs has no concerns ahead of Tuesday’s opener at home against Acle United (6.30pm).

“Nobody would have expected us to have the season we had last year. After all we are just a village club with local players and no real budget,” said the former Diss Town striker.

“People might think we overachieved but you do not get lucky if you lose just six times in the league.

“Now we have set the benchmark and we at least want to be emulating what we achieved last year, and if possible improve on that.

“We will be going with the same squad as last year. We did have two or three come in for training over the summer but we could not come to an agreement.

“It would have been good to make a signing or two, but it was more about the squad depth rather than making big improvements.

“What we have is a very good squad. Most of the teams at this level can beat anyone and it was our character that helped us to win those tight games last season.

“There are areas we can improve, but that is exciting. It is going to be another strong league with UEA and Mundford coming up and Harleston coming down after a good season in the Thurlow Nunn.

“It is an exciting time for the club and we are looking forward to getting going.”