Ashton & Backwell United manager Tony Beecham has made his "expectations clear" ahead of the Toolstation Western Premier Division 2022/23 season.

After finishing in the bottom two last year, the Stags were given a reprieve as part of the national restructure to remain in the top flight.

And Beecham will be looking to his players to start strong and avoid another relegation battle.

"Last season was a tough one and we were disappointed not to be able to pull ourselves away from the fight towards the second half of the season," he told the club website.

"I have spoken to the lads over the summer and made my expectations clear because I firmly we have a squad capable of holding our own in this division and avoiding the dog fight at the bottom".

Beecham was named as Charlie Rich's replacement last September after his departure as assistant manager of Hellenic League Premier Division side Hallen AFC

He was joined by Jim Williams, as assistant manager, and Ryan Perrett, as new first team coach, with the duo being kept on.

And Beecham said he is ready for his first full campaign in charge.

"The lads have had a season now and know know the level we have to be at week in week out to compete," he added.

"We displayed it last season in in games, picking up some great results however we need to be more resilient to bring that consistency to each game".

"Listen, anyone who has been around the game at this level knows you have to have a strong backroom team, Jim (Williams) and Ryan (Perrett) are great lads and we all bounce off each other well. Both of them are honest, hard working lads and I am really pleased to keep them for the upcoming season".

The Stags have confirmed their pre-season schedule with successive home matches against Bristol Manor Farm and Paulton Rovers on Friday July 8 and Wednesday July 13, with both games kicking off at 7pm.

United will then have three away friendlies in a row, starting at Avonmouth on July 16 at 1pm before taking on Hengrove Athletic three days later at 7:30pm before taking on Torquay United under-18s on July 23.

Ashton & Backwell will then host local rivals Nailsea & Tickenham before opening their season against Buckland Athletic four days later on July 30 at the Lancer Scott Stadium followed by a trip to Shepton Mallet on Tuesday August 2.