Mildenhall Town manager Dean Greygoose has challenged his promotion-winning squad to prove they can make the step up into Bostik North this season.

The west Suffolk club romped to the Thurlow Nunn Premier Division title, amassing 99 points, to seal their place along the likes of Bury Town and AFC Sudbury.

Greygoose, who has so far brought in Lowestoft Town goalkeeper, Jake Jessup, will keep faith in the players that got them up last season, but has warned things will change if the team start to struggle.

“Is there a chance that some of the squad here now might not be here in six months? Possibly,” said Greygoose, who faces a battle to retain the services of Mat Mitchel-King, amidst interest from clubs in higher divisions.

“In non-league football you have to evolve and push on.

“We had an amazing season last time out but we are going up a level and some of the opposition we will be facing and places we will be playing will be hostile.

“One or two players have got to step up as we don’t want to struggle, we have all worked too hard for that, and hopefully we can be pushing for the top-half. I know that is asking a lot.

“It’s up to them. If we are successful we will be able to carry a big squad. If we are not successful we won’t be able to.

“The players have got to prove they are good enough.”

Meanwhile, former professional goalkeeper Greygoose has hailed Josh Pope, his goalkeeper last season, who has left the club because of work commitments.

He will be replaced by Jessup, and Greygoose said: “I remember watching Jake as a 17-year-old when I was assistant manager at Ely and we played Great Yarmouth, he was very highly-rated.

“He’s possibly not played at the level people thought he was going to but he has got a certain character and has fitted in well.”

On Pope’s departure, Greygoose added: “We knew around Christmas time that Josh might be struggling long-term.

“He made two mistakes in the entire season last year, has played every competitive game at the club since I’ve been manager, and will always be a legend at the club.

“I can’t make exceptions though and football, as in life, moves on.

“I’d never rule out a return for him in the future though.”