THURROCK's Ryman League sides are gearing up for the new season, and the managers are in a buoyant mood ahead of the big kick off.

The Ryman North looks to be more competitive than ever and Thurrock, Aveley and Tilbury will all be giving it their best to fight their way out of the division.

And two of them meet on the opening day of the season, with Fleet making the short tip to the Dockers.

And both manager's are confident, with Thurrock's Mark Stimson hoping to build on the last two years, in which they have missed out in the play-offs.

"Pre-season has gone well we have looked at a lot of players and are very close to having a squad ready for the new season," he said. "We lost two players in the summer and have also let a couple of players go but have added five new players to the squad so we are building a team again to challenge like all the other teams in this league as we try and finish as high has possible.

"We start against Tilbury then face Thamesmead at home before an FA Cup tie at home the following Saturday.

Tilbury's Gary Henty is another pleased with his summer's work.

"The lads have been working hard in pre-season and the new additions have all settled in well," he said. "We are very happy with the new signings. I think that this season will be the toughest in the Ryman North for a very long time and if we can improve on last season's 11th place finish we will be happy."

Aveley's Justin Gardner is typically confident of his team's chances, after another busy summer in the transfer market, They

"Pre-season has been tough and we have worked hard," he said. " But I am pleased with how things have gone. We lost a few players but that is normal for a small club like us but I have kept 65 per cent of the squad and that is a first since I have been here.

"I have unearthed a few gems and the management team and I have worked hard and are looking forward to the real games starting now.

"We have set our targets but will keep that in house for now. But we will always be competitive and I expect a a very tough league once again."

Grays Athletic are Thurrock's Ryman Premier League's sole representatives after East Thurrock's promotion and it will be a very different team that takes to the field after Mark Bentley's departure last season.

Jamie Stuart is the man at the helm now, and he will manage Grays one again against Leatherhead on Saturday.

We have three games in six days from Saturday and all will be tough, but I look forward to them all.