Pitchero Non League

.....finish could be beyond his side this season.

The 2008/09 champions have finished as runners-up in each of the last two seasons but have not been in a position to win promotion to the Evo-Stik League Southern Division One South & West as their Recreation Ground home does not meet the ground grading criteria.

Club stalwart Lester succeeded Richard Fey, who spent two successful seasons at the helm, at the end of last term and admits Bitton are in a "transition period", with a number of players also moving on to pastures new this summer.

"We are aiming for top six this year, really," said Lester. "I don't want to say that we're going to win the league because I would be being unrealistic.

"It's all about rebuilding and replacing this season, to be honest. I've only kept six or seven players and have a completely new backroom staff. Jamie Harrison is now a first-team coach and Mark Nash is now my assistant."

Bitton have signed defenders Ryan Ashwood and Ryan Batten from Bristol Manor Farm, midfielder Kieron William and former Mangotsfield United striker Daine O'Connor.

They go into Saturday's home game against Ilfracombe Town on the back of an indifferent pre-season campaign, beating Keynsham Town 3-2, before losing 2-1 to Paulton Rovers and 5-1 to Yate Town.

Tags: News | Bitton

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