SIMON Hillier hopes his Calne Town team can finally realise their potential as the boys from Bremhill View prepare to embark on their latest Western League adventure.

The Lilywhites assistant has spent the summer assembling a squad of real quality and is full of optimism ahead of the new campaign.

But after two seasons of massive underachievement – including a 14th place finish last time out – Hillier is being careful not to make any bold predictions for his new-look side.

He said: “On paper we look stronger than last year. Last season everyone was playing for second place with Truro in the league, but this year it is much more open.

“There’s probably six or seven teams who think they have a realistic chance of finishing top of the pile. We don’t want to put too much pressure on ourselves by throwing our name into the hat though. We just want to win as many games as possible.”

The loss of captain Steve Casey to Chippenham has left a gaping hole in the Calne defence, but Hillier and boss Robbie Lardner have moved quickly to recruit.

James Lye, Ben Fitch, Ritchie Saunders and Matt Pratley have all signed on, giving the Lilywhites exciting attacking options.

“Losing Steve was a big blow. He was our captain and our best player over the last two to three years,” admitted Hillier. “Me and Robbie came to the conclusion that we needed an an overhaul on the playing side, so we brought in some fresh faces.

“Pre-season has gone pretty well so we are full optimism. We have the makings of a decent squad so hopefully we can realise our potential.”

Corsham Town, champions in 2006/7, will be without manager Mel Gingell from September until January at the earliest.

Gingell has been suspended indefinitely by the Wiltshire FA with his ban not up for review until December 31, leaving assistant Graham Learmonth in charge.

Learmonth said: “To be honest it’s the last thing we are worried about.

“He was banned for 22 games last season and we won the first 12 of them.

“We have a group of young players here and all you have to do is throw them a ball and off they go.”

Corsham surprised everyone with a top-five finish last season and Learmonth is eyeing another tilt at the top end of the table.

He said: “We faded a bit but that was to be expected with such a young team.

“We surprised a few people but I always thought we would do well.”

Elsewhere in the Western League, the new management duo of Shaun Moffat and Kev Whitbread will be looking to steer Devizes Town to success.

Seven new players will grace Nursteed Road turf this season, including Kieran Baggs, Kev Bush, Jez Hare, Charlie Lamb, Shaun Percival, Jamie Mullings and Marcus Wallen.