GREAT Wakering Rovers manager Iain O’Connell says he is not concerned at the handle of promotion favourites on the dawn of the new Essex Senior League season.

Rovers begin life back at the fifth tier of non-league football tomorrow when they welcome Stansted to Burroughs Park.

And O’Connell, who has added some fresh faces while retaining much of last season’s squad, says there is a good feeling around the club as they look to bounce back to the Isthmian League.

“I am really pleased with how we are shaping up heading into things,” said O’Connell.

“The signings have fitted in well and it couldn’t be more different than last season. There is a really good feel about the place.

“We have got some good results in pre-season and the opposing managers have been very complimentary about us, saying what a good side we have.

“In terms of being favourites, we will deal with it and play one game at a time. People will put pressure on us but I don’t care what they say.

“We needed four of five changes and I have bought in the right players and, more importantly, the right characters.

“The players will know there is competition and that wasn’t the case last year.

“I have confidence in the lads and they have the ability to do it.”

Wakering welcome Stansted and Barkingside on Saturday and Tuesday before turning their attentions to the FA Cup.

Their record in the Isthmian North last year makes for difficult reading. Six wins, 33 defeats and 121 goals conceded are just some of the statistics.

And Wakering will be determined to register their first win since December 10 this weekend.

“We play Stansted and Barkingside in the first week of the season and we have done our research but it is all about what we do,” he said.

“If we can play at our full capacity then we can take maximum points. Both these games are at home and we need to look to capitalise on that.

“We want to string together a positive run as early as possible after a poor run last season.

“If we can get some early points and start well we can kick on from there.

“Momentum is hugely important.”