SALISBURY CITY boss Darrell Clarke refuses to set himself any long-term targets ahead of the new season but is eager to surpass last year’s tenth place finish.

The Old Sarum outfit have experienced a bunch of competitive friendlies during their pre-season account but managed to see off the likes of Reading and Portsmouth on the way.

And as the countdown to the new season begins, Clarke is really excited about his side’s first home game against AFC Hornchurch on Saturday August 18 (3pm).

“The ball is going to be like a hot potato at the weekend but at as long as my boys give me 100 per cent, that’s all that matters,” he said.

“I won’t be setting myself any future aims; the players just have to make sure they get in the zone and try and win each football match as it comes.

“Obviously we want to be challenging at the top-half of the table and improving on last year’s finish.”

The 34-year-old is happy with the progression he’s witnessed in his squad so far and is confident that there’s enough strength and depth to have a good campaign.

“It normally takes around 12-15 games for the season to calm down, and we’ll see where we are at this point and see what needs to be done.”

“The fitness levels have been fantastic and everyone who has followed us during pre-season will have noticed that the lads are looking fit and sharp.

“We haven’t got the biggest squad but we’ve got a bit more quality that what we’ve had in previous seasons and we’re all ready to go.”

The Whites have been well supported during their friendlies and Clarke hopes more fans will flock to the Ray Mac during the course of the 2012-2013 Blue Square South season.

Clarke added: “Hopefully we’ll have quite a few of the Salisbury punters back here for our first league match.

“Let’s get the Ray Mac how it used to be and get everyone pulling in the same direction.”