MANAGER Shaun Cunnington believes Evesham United can be a force to be reckoned with in Calor Southern League Division One South and West this season.

The Robins kick-off against Taunton Town at the Spiers and Hartwell Jubilee Stadium tomorrow (3pm).

Having finished 14th in their first season back following relegation, Evesham are keen to improve on that performance.

Cunnington feels he has a competitive squad and pre-season will hold them in good stead.

He said: “We had some really tough tests against Conference North sides and acquitted ourselves very well.

“We have certainly got enough quality in the squad to worry teams so we are optimistic.”

The former West Brom midfielder is not about to settle for a season struggling at the wrong end of the table and added: “As a manager, you go into a new season trying to win promotion.

"If you don’t go in with that mindset, then you are up against it from the off.”

Evesham are without defenders Richard Mansell (three-game ban) and Marc Richards (UEFA ‘A’ coaching course).

There could be competitive debuts for keeper John Bateman, defender James Loney and midfielders Michael Tambling and Mitch Botfield among others.