Saturday's game against Worcester marks a new season – and a whole new start – for a club who have spent much time in recent seasons at the wrong end of the Conference South.

New manager Jenkins warns it is going to be tough to improve on the showings of the past couple of campaigns.

But he believes with everyone pulling in the right direction, and new interest and investment in the club, the Rocks can build a solid base from which they can be successful for years to come.

Jenkins, his assistant Andy Awford, coach Darin Killpartrick and general manager Jack Pearce have spent two months building a new squad of players after most of last season's line-up left when the club could give them no guarantees over thie year's budget.

They have made good progress, although Jenkins said he was not yet happy with the quality or depth of the squad. He warned it could take several more weeks before they had a squad good enough and big enough to hold their own in the division.

Jenkins hopes to add one or two more new signings to the ranks – players of some quality who he said fans would be delighted to see join – before Saturday.

Others are likely to follow in the early weeks of the season.
Already on board are three of last season's team – defender Duncan Jupp, midfielder Scott Harris and striker Dan Beck.

In addition, the likes of midfielder Danny Smith and defenders Dave Waterman and Paul Watson have nailed their colours to the mast.

And others set to do so as well include striker and winger Gavin McCallum and Josh Dutton-Black, who have impressed greatly in pre-season.

There are several other players who have featured in pre-season who are likely to sign.

Jenkins said things were moving in the right direction on and off the field – and everyone must take advantage of that.

"Four weeks ago, we had to cancel plans for a training session because we didn't have enough players to make it worthwhile," he said.

"Now we are starting to see a good squad come together.

"We're not there yet, and ideally would have had a little longer before the proper games started.

"But we are getting there and I think it is going to be an exciting season.

"Sales of season tickets are up and there's a good number of sponsors putting money into the club.

"The feedback we've had from fans since I became manager has been very positive, too.

"These are all things we have to build on. We have a big chance to take this club forward and we must take that chance and not let it pass."

Jenkins wants to see a crowd of 500 at the lane on Saturday – 300 was the average last season – and said he was certain supporters would get behind the new-look team while also remaining realistic about what to expect.

"This league improves each year and it will be very, very competitive this season," said Jenkins.

"We can't set our sights too high – we are not suddenly going to be challenging for the title.

"But at the same time we don't want to be floundering around too near the bottom of the table.

"Getting to and staying in mid-table would be fantastic for us and we might surprise a few people."

McCallum is the Rocks' only injury doubt for Saturday's league opener at home to Worcester (3pm).

See this website for a preview on Friday and a report on Saturday night.

And get the Observer this week for the Rocks' full fixture list and all the other news from Nyewood Lane.