Lions boss Steve Kittrick insists his side are not just going into the Blue Square North to make the numbers up.

The Nethermoor chief – who returned from a holiday in Portugal in time to oversee the newly-promoted club’s first training session – is filled with optimism going into the new season.

An influx of new signings has outweighed the departure of Adam Muller and Stuart Rudd.

Kittrick said: “The four major signings we have made (Joe O’Neill, Dave Syers, Ryan Tolson and Warren Payton) and the players we retained from last year have all played in the Conference (Premier or North) or above.

“In fact, 90 per cent of the squad have been involved at this level or higher so it should hold no surprises.

“I have every confidence in the players, so we are not going into the Blue Square just to make the numbers up.

“Danny Ellis, Steve Burton, Jez Fitzgerald, James Cott-erill, Dave Merris, Liam Needham, Jamie Walshaw, Matty Young, Chrissy Holl-and, Andy Bell, Simon John-son, Craig Bentham – the list goes on. The new lads are just as experienced but of the right age so all we need now is to get a good pre-season under our belts.

“We have some great pre-season friendlies coming up starting with Bradford City a week on Tuesday and ending with Conference Premier outfit Gateshead at our place (August 2). They have gone full time now so that will be a very good test for us.”