We'll take Tonbridge to another level, insists skipper Aris - EXCLUSIVE

The club have already concreted most of the area in front of the clubhouse and behind the goals to avoid fans slipping over in the wet conditions, which are depressing the whole country at present.

But there is a very upbeat mood from within the camp as a club "with a decent budget" can battle it out with the likes of big spending giants AFC Wimbledon, Chelmsford City and Billericay Town for supremacy.

Boss Tony Dolby, 33, has made four summer signings as he plots another successful campaign for the west Kent club.

In come Tommy Tyne (Dover Athletic), Anthony Storey (Lewes), James Donovan (Margate) and Adam Greenway (Bromley), and although he’s lost the services of Alex O’Brien (Dartford), Aaron Kerr (injury) and want-away Luke Piscina, morale is very high.

"It’s nice to be back," skipper Steve Aris said EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

"A few new faces here today, it’s always good to see the boys again. Everyone’s come back flying and buzzing."

This time last year, consolidating and keeping their Ryman Premier League status was their number one priority.

However, flying to the top of the table following their 6-1 humiliation of Worthing, in their second game of the season, where striker Jon Main scored his first four of his 44 goals, gave fans – and players – the fire in their bellies for success.

The club also reached the final of the Kent Senior Cup and the fourth and final qualifying round of the FA Cup.

But Aris wants to prove that his team-mates are not one season wonders.

"I think within ourselves last year we all thought we could do well," he said.

"It may have been a surprise to a few people but we all thought we were capable of what we done.

"But this year, with the additions, hopefully we can push on and have another good season and hopefully get a better finish than last year."

The 29-year-old central defender believes there is "competition for places" at the club. His position is also under threat in the side – something he’s relishing.

"Hopefully it will bring out the best in people and we can push on – go onto another level," said Aris.

Aris hailed the re-signing for star striker Jon Main, 26, as "probably the biggest signing of the summer", and a lot rests on the lethal feet of the Erith based hit-man.

"Someone who scores that many goals for you in a year you want to keep hold of, although you’d like to see him go on and progress into the league," said Aris, who started his playing career at Millwall.

"Hopefully he can have a good season like last year. Even if he bangs in thirty goals people will say it’s a bad season (for him, after) what he done last year, but we’d settle for 30 goals."

Aris expressed his delight that Tonbridge Angels will be battling it out with the big guns when the new season kicks off on 18^th August.

"Personally I’d expect us to be definitely up there challenging for at least the play-off’s," he said.

"I think there’s definitely some good sides in the league this year that have spent a lot of money, but I think we’ve got the personnel here to push on and do at least the play-off positions.

"You’ve got the likes of all the people spending money, AFC Wimbledon and Chelmsford City are strong, Billericay Town will be there and thereabouts again, just like all the normal teams.

"I don’t think there’s one outstanding team that stands out at the moment but there is money flying around and people’s expectations are high for a few teams.

"So hopefully we can be one of those teams and creep up the table with the so-called big boys."

Aris believes the club can build on their crowds last season as success breeds a bigger fan-base.

"We want to finish as high as we can," he said. "Whoever is above us, hopefully there’s no-one above us at the end of the season, but you never know!

"That might be high hopes but you never know – just see how it goes."

Looking ahead to another flying start, Aris added: "We had a good season last year, the supporters were fantastic, home and away.

"The crowds come through the gates week in, week out (so) hopefully if we’re successful next year, more people (will) come through the door and support us, which will help."

Meanwhile, Tony Dolby and his assistant Mike Rutherford, introduced coach Rob Palmer to the squad.

Palmer was reserve team manager at promoted Bromley last season and will be instrumental as the Angels will be looking to hit the right notes this season.

Visit club websites: www.tonbridgeangels.co.uk & www.tonbridgeafc.co.uk/forum