DAVE Webb has not set his Swindon Supermarine players a target for the Southern League season as the Webb’s Wood side prepare for their opener at home to Clevedon tomorrow.

Marine finished fourth in Division One South & West last term and despite losing the services of key attacking players Chris Taylor and Josh Parsons, will be fancied by many to challenge for a play-off spot once more.

However, while boss Webb has always maintained his desire to challenge at the upper end of the table, he will wait until four weeks into the season before laying out a clear aim for his squad.

“I haven’t got a target yet, we will probably set one after the first month,” he said.

“It’s early days and it takes time to get into the swing of things, we’ve had eight friendlies but there’s no substitute for what they will go through in 90 minutes on Saturday.

“We have got a lot of young players like Josh Morse and Gio Wrona who are technically good, but it’s not just about that.

“We’ve got to be strong mentally and physically to be ready for the amount of games you play in a short period of time.”

The boss declared himself delighted with the work his squad have done in the last two months and feels that with more depth in the squad, Marine are well-equipped for the task ahead.

“I’m really pleased with the way pre-season has gone. We’ve lost two quality players in Chrissy Taylor and Josh Parsons (to Hungerford), but we were fortunate to get Ash Edenborough back (also from Hungerford) as quickly as we did.

“The remainder of last season’s squad have been retained and we’ve added some young exciting players.

“Looking at the amount of players we’ve got, we’re in a good way. Now it’s down to me to pick the right teams for the right games.”

New College keeper Alex Swatridge and Highworth stopper Kieran Shail were expected to sign dual registration forms last night.

Also poised to put pen to paper yesterday evening was trialist striker Luke Abrahart, while former Swindon Town youth player Aaron Ferris signed on Tuesday.

A decision has not yet been made on another ex-Robins youngster, Jake Johns, who has had little game time.

Marine are missing suspended midfield duo Jordan Roberts and Harry Etheridge for tomorrow’s game, while Mani Randhawa (pelvis) and Abrahart (ankle) are also out.

Dan Wallington is a doubt with a back injury while midfielder Eddie Stevens is on holiday.