Takeley FC will be looking to build on last season s Essex Premier Cup win under the leadership of Don Watters. Pre-season training has attracted 40 potential players and more than 30 have already signed for the club ahead of the new Essex Olympian League

Takeley FC will be looking to build on last season's Essex Premier Cup win under the leadership of Don Watters.

Pre-season training has attracted 40 potential players and more than 30 have already signed for the club ahead of the new Essex Olympian League Premier Division campaign.

The new boss who joined the club from Sawbridgeworth, replacing Gary Dear, is pleased with what he has seen so far and is confident he is the man to take the club forward.

"We are getting around 40 players at training and I'm really pleased with how it's going," he said. "I'm impressed with what I've seen so far and am enjoying it.

"I think we have 24 players who are a good asset to the club and wouldn't let themselves or the club down if I put them into the first team."

The new boss aims to stamp his mark on the club and has already brought in some new faces.

"I have taken several players from Sawbridgeworth who I rate highly," he said. "Defender Stefan Szajewski has signed as has my son Mark who is a centre half. Danny Wardle a right midfielder and Chris Doorian who played right back for Leyton Orient for a season until he picked up an injury have also joined the club."

It's not just on the playing side the manger has made changes, he has also brought in a new coaching team.

"I have brought in Paul Wildman, David Lund, Micky Phillips and Tony Crook to help me with the coaching," said Watters.

"I have worked with them for the last few years and I have been in football long enough to know the importance of a good coaching set up.

"We have a great spirit here at the moment and all the players and coaches are gelling well."

Off the pitch, things are looking equally impressive for the Station Road outfit who are looking to build the club up to Essex Senior League standard.

They have a grant for floodlights and are hopeful of having them up this year and are also planning to knock down their timber stand and and replace it with a brick structure with 60 seats.

"Financially the club is in a good position with lots of great people behind the scenes," said the manager. "The club is working hard off the pitch and it's just a case of me getting things right on the pitch now.

"I'm looking to get us established and get to the Essex Senior League as soon as possible. I'm confident, but we know we won't walk it. Benfleet will be a strong side as will White Ensign and Frenford."

Takeley are due to take on Stansted tonight at 7pm in their first pre-season friendly at Station Road, before hosting Cockfosters (3pm) on Saturday and Wormley Rovers on Tuesday at 7pm.

They then play White Ensign in a league champions versus cup winners clash on August 25, with the league season starting a week later.

"I'm looking to get it together for that day so I know my side for the following week when the league kicks off," said Watters.

"It's really important to get off to a good start and we will be looking to do that.