REDDITCH United manager Liam McDonald believes his new-look side are capable of a top ten finish in the Southern League Premier.

The Valley Stadium outfit kick-off the 2015-16 season at home to Cirencester before going to Kettering on Tuesday night.

A fine end to the previous campaign, which saw United finish just outside the play-off spots in sixth place, and a productive summer of squad rebuilding has lifted expectations at Redditch.

The arrival of Jamey Osbourne, Jordan Archer and Daniel Dubidat have certainly strengthened areas weakened by the departure of Jermaine Hylton and Ashley Sammons.

McDonald said: "I think this is going to be a very tough league again, with the likes of Poole Town, Merthyr Tydfil and Paulton all really going for it.

"But I am very happy with our business in the summer and I am confident we're a top ten side.

"It's increasingly difficult to out do ourselves each season because we've set ourselves such high standards but I am very excited about the season and can't wait to get started."

Redditch will be without midfielder Max Loveridge, who has been sidelined for a month by injury, and Dubidat, who has a one match ban for an infringement while playing for Bedworth.

But the Reds head into the season after an encouraging pre-season which saw them beat Kidderminster Harriers and Solihull Borough.

United also reached the final of the Worcestershire Senior Cup and lost 3-1 to Worcester City in an entertaining clash.

McDonald added: "Worcester were a very good team and I genuinely believe they will do very well in the Vanarama North.

"But pre-season has gone well and we've watched Cirencester several times so hopefully we've got an idea of who we are up against.

"It will take the first five or six games to find how we are doing."

Saturday 08 August 2015 Redditch United v Cirencester Town Tuesday 11 August 2015 Kettering Town v Redditch United