JUSTIN Miller is relishing the start of the new season after taking charge at Purton.

The former Swindon Supermarine striker will take the reins for his first competitive match tomorrow when his side welcome North Leigh to the Red House.

And despite this being Miller’s first managerial role he is confident that his side will be able to challenge for honours in Hellenic League Division One West this term.

“We have managed to strengthen the squad from last season,” the new manager said. “We have got a good blend and I’m confident that we can do well this year.”

The former Purton targetman has taken charge at the Red House following the resignation of Chris Pethick at the end of the last campaign.

Miller says that he has no apprehension ahead of making the transition from player to boss.

“I’m looking forward to it,” he said. “Pre-season can drag on and you just want to get that first game on.

“I know that North Leigh will be tough, but we have a good team, I’ve played with a lot of the players that I have brought in and I know what they can do.”

When Miller took charge at the Red House he said that the aim was to win the league and while he knows that will be tough nothing has changed his mind.

“The aim is to win the division,” he said. “There will be two to four sides who will have the same ambitions as us.

“It is a long season and I feel that the team who will have the same side out the most will be the most successful.”

After retaining eight of last year’s squad and bringing in 10 new faces, the Purton chief believes that young winger Jerome Dodson is the player that could spring a few surprises this term.

“He’s young and quick, he can play up top and wide on the right, and he is very skillful,” Miller said. “He may be inexperienced but I think that he can have a good future in the game.

“Jerome was with New College last season and he approached us, so we have had a look at him over the summer, played him a few times, and I have been really pleased with him.”