BOWERS & Pitsea manager Rob Small says he has warned his players to expect an extremely tough pre-season as they gear up for their first ever season in the Ryman One North.

Small’s men enjoyed a terrific season last term as they pipped rivals Basildon United to the Essex Senior League title on the final day, as well as reaching the semi-finals of the FA Vase.

Bowers will return to training next Tuesday in preparation for the start of their pre-season matches in the second week of July, and Small has started recruiting ahead of the new campaign.

James Thomas became the first new signing of the close season, linking up with Bowers last week, with more new names expected in the coming weeks.

And Small said he is excited to get going again.

“I am looking forward to going back to training and a lot of the work will be geared towards fitness,” he said.

“I will demand a lot but that is what is needed and these are the right sort of people that will expect it.

“It is a different type of season for us. We won’t win and we won’t get promotion so we can afford to give players a chance. We will have time to change that if needed so it is relaxed.

“The only players we have lost were because of personal circumstances. We want to be selective about who we want to bring in. I am getting a few offers a day from players who want to come in and do pre-season with us. Out of 60 that contact me we will probably miss out on a few but it upsets the group we have too much.

“We have identified five we want to sign and the reality is we only have two of them. We can’t compete financially. James Thomas a winger and he will like to be involved and can beat a man. He did well in the Thurlow Nunn League and will be a good addition.

“I promised these boys I would give them a chance and I will do.”

Bowers will take on Canvey Island, Felixstowe & Walton, Sawbridgeworth Town and Enfield 1893 among others in pre-season, with Small admitting his options were limited because Bowers’ Len Salmon Stadium is being re-surfaced.

But the Bowers chief says he remained confident that Bowers will be ready come the season start on August 13.

“With the work on the pitch we want to play all our games away and it does mean my hands are tied,” said Small. “I wish the games were more glamorous but the reality is a lot of teams won’t invite Bowers & Pitsea to their ground.

“There are some competitive teams in the Essex Senior League and Thurlow Nunn leagues and they will be stiff opposition. It is about time on the pitch at this point and I am excited.”

“We will be very hard to play against and we have such desire and we will give it a right good go.”