SOUTHEND Manor are aiming for a top 10 finish this season after manager Stuart Marshall put faith in his young squad ahead of the new Essex Senior League campaign.

Marshall, who was appointed as Wayne Seal’s replacement at the start of January, is gearing up for his first full season in charge at Manor.

And he says he has total faith in his players, with his squad currently 25 strong, as they look for their first top 10 finish since 2013.

“In terms of players and plans we are looking OK,” he said. “We are going to be a young side again with an average age of about 21 and I think we will aim for a top 10 finish.

“I am hopeful of signing a centre forward who has good Ryman experience and scored 20 plus goals last season in the Olympian League.

“We can’t compete with the clubs that have money but I am very hopeful that the togetherness we have will pull us through.”

Manor have also signed a new deal with Ingatestone firm Alpha, a commercial consultant, with players provided with club tracksuits and polo shirts in run up to the new campaign, with Marshall delighted at the new agreement.

“It is great to have Alpha’s support and I look forward to a promising partnership with them,” he said. “The deal came about because one of the players works for the company and he asked his boss on the off chance.

“I am glad we are working together.”

Manor begin their season a week later than many of the other clubs in the Essex Senior League after Marshall requested they begin in August.

Their first match will be in the FA Cup against Sawbridgeworth Town on Saturday, August 6 with a league match at rivals Basildon United their first league test three days later.

Hullbridge Sports host Takeley on Saturday, July 30 as they begin another season and Basildon United visit Waltham Forest.

Basildon host Hullbridge on Saturday, September 24 before the return fixture on October 29, while they travel to Southend Manor on Saturday, February 18.

Hullbridge host Southend Manor on August 13 before the return on December 10.