Chatham are entering a new season with hopes of finally competing at the right end of the table.

The club’s decision to loosen the purse strings during the summer has allowed boss Tony Beckingham to build a team that should be a lot more competitive this season.

Beckingham has managed to keep hold of key man Liam Hickey, despite interest elsewhere, while striker Ade Yusuff is back from a two-year spell at Dagenham to lead the line.

New boss Beckingham, who arrived following the resignation of Kevin Horlock, is making no predictions but hopes Chatham are now heading in the right direction.

He said: “There is no doubt that we have the ability to do well.

“After Chatham’s recent history it would be a good season to finish in the top half but a great season to be flirting with the play-offs.

“What we want to do is be comfortable and not to be looking over our shoulders.”

Chatham have only achieved one top-10 finish since emerging from the Kent League in 2001.

Last season they ended up 19th in Ryman League, Division 1 South, a slight improvement on the 21st position the year before in the northern division.

Beckingham added: “Pre-season has served its purpose but everyone has had enough of it now. There is nothing like going into a competitive fixture where results do matter.

“We are heading into the new season confident we can have a good one.”