BRADFORD Park Avenue boss John Deacey envisages a difficult Conference North season when it gets underway six weeks from now.
He also feels the division will be stronger this campaign than last when AFC Telford United, the club his son Jordan has just signed for, won it.
Deacey said: "It is going to be tough this year. There are some very good sides in the league and they have all strengthened.
"Some of them are spending big money, so the competition will be intense."
The Avenue boss has made two major signings so far. He has brought in former Bantams midfielder Scott Kerr and Nathan Turner, who had just been released by Leeds United.
"We are trying to improve, and I'm happy with our squad so far, but there are some top players in our division," said Deacey.
"Because some of the clubs are paying silly money, they have got players who could be playing at a higher level.
"A lot of them don't want the travelling that the Conference Premier brings so they have decided to stay or have even been attracted to this (North) division.
"There are some good deals being offered by clubs in the Conference North and that is good for the league but it makes our job more difficult.
"We have a tough test ahead of us. I believe it will be much harder than it was last season."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here