Brantham Athletic joint boss Michael Brothers admits the club’s ambitions are part of the attraction as to why he and Matt Carmichael are managing the club.

Both players start their first full season as joint managers of Athletic tomorrow afternoon, with Brantham travelling to Long Melford in a Thurlow Nunn Premier Division fixture.

Brothers admits it has been a busy time since they took over back in January, but with a full pre-season now behind them, he can’t wait to get going.

“I’m buzzing about it and there is a good buzz about the club,” he said.

“There is a real family environment about Brantham, but we want to change that just a bit.

“Of course it’s nice to have such a good feeling about the place, but instead of just having a beer after a game, we want to analyse and discuss things first – then enjoy a pint.

“The club is ambitious and this season I want us to be up near the top of the table.

“I want us to get promotion. There is no reason this club can’t move up to Step 4.”

Brantham have already made a big statement of intent with the signing of former Needham Market striker Sam Newson.

“It’s funny, since we signed Sam I think everyone thinks we have suddenly got a big budget going on here,” Brothers said.

“But that’s far from the case. Sam wanted to come and we wanted him.

“It’s the same budget as last season and the one before that.

“Our target, as I said, is to go up.”

Former Brantham man, Ollie Mann has signed for Lawford this season, with work commitments limiting the amount of time he can give to the game.

“It’s a shame about Ollie,” Brothers said.

“But we understand.”

And Brothers hopes he will add experience to the Athletic line-up again this season.

“I’m signed on, it’s up to whether I get picked,” he laughs.

Also in action tomorrow are newly-promoted Coggeshall Town, who face the long trip to Fakenham, FC Clacton entertain Walsham-le-Willows, while Stanway Rovers are at home to Thetford Town.