Bedfont & Feltham boss Dean Thomas has challenged his new side to truly test themselves when Swindon Town come to The Orchard next Thursday (July 24).
The League One side have confirmed they will send a strong side down to play in west London, much to the delight of the new Yellows boss.
He said: “These are the games that our players will look forward to, to really test themselves in, and perhaps to even put themselves in the shop window.”
Former Guildford City, Cove and Sandhurst Town boss Thomas took charge at The Orchard in May, replacing Wayne Tisson, and is overseeing an ever-changing squad.
He said: “There are four or five players left from last season, but it's early days yet and more may return. We've had good numbers in training, and the hard job for me is having a look at everyone and making sure they all get a fair crack of the whip. We've got 14 signed on so far, some who I know from previously, and some new to both me and the club.”
Among those who Thomas has signed, having played under him before, are former Guildford and Waltham Forest midfielder Alex Afful and ex-Croydon and Waltham & Hersham striker Jason Pinnock – both of who have experience playing in the Ryman and Southern Leagues.
Thomas added: “The club have made it known they want to go for promotion, and I'm ambitious too – I see no point in coming in just to keep the club where it is. With the facilities we have here, we should be looking to progress.”
Following 4-3 and 1-0 losses to Wembley and Chertsey, the Yellows bagged their first pre-season win on Tuesday night when they beat a Hampton & Richmonsd Borough XI 2-1. They are due to host Grays Athletic on Saturday and make the short journey to Bedfont Sports on Tuesday night.
Meanwhile, the opening week's fixtures have been released by the Combined Counties League, with Bedfont & Feltham kicking off their Division One campaign at home to Sheerwater on August 2, while CB Hounslow United start away at Eversley & California.
In the Premier Division, Hanworth Villa host Guildford City on the opening day before visiting Westfield three days later, while Bedfont Sports ' curtain raiser is at Badshot Lea, followed by another away game, at Spelthorne Sports, three days later.
