BURY Town boss Richard Wilkins says he has no fears for his young squad ahead of their new season in the Ryman Premier Division.

The Blues will be pitching themselves up against bigger budgets and better players as they embark on their first season in Step Three football.

Not that it concerns Wilkins, who has complete faith in a side that were crowned champions of the Southern Midland Division last season.

“I don’t fear anything regarding this squad of players,” Wilkins admitted.

“Training has gone well, and we have re-signed virtually our whole squad from last season. I would have liked to add a player or two, but for some reason players seem to think now we are in the Ryman Premier, we are paying Premiership money, which we are not, so new signings are proving hard to come by.

“Maybe we can do what we did last season and pick up some good players along the way, as the season unfolds, we will see.”

Bury face plenty of stiff opposition in the Ryman Premier, including the likes of Billericay Town, Canvey Island and Lowestoft Town.

For Bury and Lowestoft, it will be a chance to renew old acquaintances from their Ridgeons Premier Division days, something Wilkins acknowledges.

“It will be strange to think Lowestoft is now a local derby for us,” Wilkins added.

“But it is great for Suffolk football that these type of games are now on the fixture list. With Needham Market and AFC Sudbury in the same division, it wouldn’t surprise me if Leiston are another who move up soon, it’s promising for the game in the country.”

One of the few disappointments for Ram Meadow fans is the loss of stalwart Gavin Johnson, who has joined Walsham-le-Willows in the Ridgeons Premier Division.

“I think I got an extra season out of Gavin last year to be honest,” Wilkins said.

“Could he still do a job for us this season? Of course he could. But he knows his body and I fully appreciate his decision. He will do an excellent job at Step Five for a few seasons yet.”

Quite how success will be measured at Ram Meadow in the forthcoming campaign, after the euphoria of last year remains to be seen.

But certainly plenty of quality football is assured from Wilkins’ young side.