Gavin Sharpe reckons his Sporting JLGB team will be 'ten times better' as they go in search of MJSL glory.

Sporting, who take on title favourites Republic of Mancunia in their opening game on Sunday, are in confident mood after a successful end to last season.

Sharpe's side flew up the table following a slow start to the season before crushing Crumpsall in the final of the Tony Cohen Memorial Trophy.

Sporting are expected to improve markedly on last season's sixth place finish with Adam Herman having arrived from Westdene and Jonny Davies from Manchester Maccabi.

And Sharpe is hoping for a fast start with a place in the top four the minimum requirement for his side this season.

"I've kept the whole of the squad together over the summer and with a couple of new signings we'll be ten times better," he said.

"Last year we had ten new signings and we had a poor start because it took six or seven games for the players to gel.

"Once we got going we were in cruise control because we were so far behind but we did manage to win a trophy which was great.

"This year we're going out there to do a lot better and if we're in the top four with a couple of games to go then we'll have a crack at the title."

Sharpe also believes the growing maturity of his squad will give them an extra edge to their play as they look to challenge at the top of the MJSL.

"I've got a very young team with the oldest players being 24 so they've grown up a lot over the past season," he added.

"We've got a new found maturity and when you add that to the pace and power in the side then who knows what can happen?

"We've got some very talented players and Rafi Bloom is definitely one to watch.

"Rafi got 18 goals last season and I think he'll get at least ten more this year, while Akiva Lieberman is probably the best goalkeeper in Jewish football.

"I don't want to big us up too much because we're a developing team and we're still learning.

"But we're going to go out there and do our best."