BROMSGROVE Rovers manager Duane Darby says winning promotion is the only aim for his squad this season.

The Victoria Ground side kick-off their British Gas Business Division One Midla-nds campaign at home to Bury Town on Saturday (3pm) looking to bounce back from last season’s relegation.

Rovers spent just one season in the Premier Division and Darby believes he has assembled a team capable of returning at the first attempt.

He said: “Promotion is the only target we have got. I feel we have a much stronger squad than last year. I am in no doubt that we can get promotion with this squad.

“It’s going to be new to us but I am just concerned about ourselves and if we do it right we will be fine. It’s going to be a tough season so we have got to make sure we get a good start.

“I am looking forward to it. I hate pre-season but now it comes down to the proper thing. The pre-season results don’t matter, now they do.”

Darby has made several signings over the summer, bringing in the likes of former AFC Telford midfielder Dean Craven, ex-Kidderminster Harriers striker Luke Reynolds and goalkeeper James Dormand from Halesowen Town.

Former Worcester City defender Dennis Pearce has also been snapped up from the Yeltz and has been handed the captain’s armband for the campaign ahead.

Boss Darby added: “Dennis Pearce is a massive player. For us to get someone like him is a huge plus for the club.”

Striker Dean Curtis (ankle) and midfielder Paul Lloyd (knee) are both ruled out of the Bury match, while it is Reynolds’ last game before serving a three-game ban picked up in pre-season.