Buxton boss Gary Hayward knows hard work will be the key to success

The Bucks ended their Bet Victor Premier League campaign in 18th place but are targeting promotion this time out.

“Hard work is a minimum for me, that is a gimme if you want to play for me,” he said.

“I will give players direction and get into them if needed. I love the players, I love them all and am like a father figure to them, but when it’s game time we need to get our game faces on and go out rocking and rolling.

“When I came in they had lost four on the bounce and had only 11 points and that is the first thing I said to them.”

Boss full of praise for Buxton chairman Dave Hopkins

The Bucks have already planned a number of pre-season friendlies against pro clubs, with the visits of Scunthorpe, Rochdale and Chesterfield confirmed.

Games against Eastwood CFC and Glossop will also be on the radar as Hayward looks to get his side up to speed.

“I want everyone playing as many 90 mins as possible,” he added. “Some managers give a lot of lads 20 to 45 min and then there is a big swap.

“I’m not saying I am right and others are wrong, but I want players playing maximum minutes and to be ready to go.

“We will know who is doing what and who is playing where. It will then be down to the lads to keep their shirts, because I won't have any favourites.

“I am looking forward to getting cracking with the coaching.

“When I took the Buxton job it was something to get my teeth into and to prove to myself that I could still do it.

“It was more of a personal challenge to back myself and go do it and it has turned out well.

“Hopefully now with the resources and a clean slate I can back myself even more when we go again.”

Hayward is also urging supporters to help bolster club funds by getting involved with their Megabucks lottery.

It gives entrants the chance to win a £150 first price each week and a rollover price of £10,000.