Andy Landesberg sent out a warning to London Lions' Herts Senior County League rivals ahead of tomorrow's opener against Ware Sports, with a top six finish his target.
Having led the Team Maccabi GB Open Futsal squad to gold at the recent European Maccabi Games in Berlin, Landesberg is confident his team will hit the ground running upon their return to the Premier Division, following self-imposed relegation from the Spartan South Midlands League.
Landesberg will lead the team on his own following Tony Gold's move to London Colney and he says he is raring to go.
"Everyone looks in pretty good shape and there's a healthy fight for places," said Landesberg. "The Berlin boys asked to come straight back into the squad after a few days off to recover mentally and physically."
Landesberg has signed several players over the summer including AFC Flixton hotshot Leor Sidle, Jake Furman, Josh Pistol, Alex Moss and Antony Stockman, formerly of Rushden & Diamonds. They also welcome back defender Jon Ellis and TJ Keterman.
"I have a squad of 25 to choose from and there's a good spirit in the camp. Assistant-manager Steve Grenfell and coach Darren Yarlett have done a great job in my absence and now we're ready to go with a very decent team.
"I'm most excited about the signing of Jon Ellis who has really impressed with his attitude, while Jake and Josh Kennet are looking good. Leor is just settling in since joining from Manchester; he's not someone I would like to play against. He's a good addition to the squad. Our young star of last season, Zak Rose, is off to university and will be missed, but I am hoping he will play a part in some of this season's games."
The new Alan Mattey stand will be unveiled tomorrow as Lions look to mark their return to their Rowley Lane ground in style after a period of ground-sharing.
"There's a great sparkle around the place and everyone wants to be involved," said Landesberg.
"What's going on at the club right now is absolutely unbelievable in terms of the facilities and the number of teams.
"We've come through a very difficult period and want to move on again. The last couple of years have been tough, but I've always remained upbeat and positive and tried to keep people
happy. I feel very comfortable with the structure.
"You'll also see something really exciting with the Sunday B-team and I'm confident they will do well.
"The A-team is a difficult job; sometimes structures have to come back before you realise where the level is. Hendon have been fantastic for a while and Raiders have some great players, but I would like one or two others to come out and make it really exciting."
