DARREN Byfield has backed his new-look Redditch United squad to come out firing when the season gets underway.

The Reds will begin the new Southern Premier League campaign with a home game against Dunstable Town at the Valley this Saturday (3pm kick-off) before going to Kettering Town next Tuesday night.

Byfield admits the difficult end to last season means his side must start with a bang.

He said: "It would be easy for me to say that it's a long season and we'll see how we get on, but the fact is that we have to start well especially because of how last season ended.

"The first 10 games are really important but I believe I've brought in what we need to start well.

"I'm more than happy with the players we have. The reason they are here is because I believe they have what it takes at this level. There is no reason we can't start strongly.

"I learnt a lot last season about what sort of players you need for this league and have now got the people I want.

"You have to have players that are prepared to fight for you and buy into what you are trying to do. If the fans can see they give their all in every game then they'll support them.

"The turnover of players was too large last season but that was because I was trying to get the right personnel in. Hopefully there will be a lot less players coming and going this season."

Byfield has bought a host of new faces to the club over the summer, including former Walsall and Tamworth winger Jake Jones, but thinks the most significant signing could be the addition of player-coach Danny Jackman.

The veteran midfielder comes in after leaving Worcester City last season.

Byfield added: "Danny Jackman is a very important addition. He is top notch on the pitch but brings a lot off it as well. He is so professional and brings a lot of know-how to the club.

"With him and Reuben Hazell I think I've got everything I need."

The Reds boss has also been pleased with how pre-season preparation have gone after putting his side through 10 friendly fixtures.

He said: "We have played a lot of pre-season games but that a deliberate choice.

"It means I got to assess a lot of trialists as well as get our fitness right. With that in mind, it has gone really well.

"It's not about results at this time of year. I have had more than 20 pre-seasons in my time and have had times when we've won them all but then started poorly in the league. The important thing is we are fully prepared for the first game."