We must make ourselves competitive first, says Buxton boss Gary Hayward

The Bucks have assembled a strong-looking squad this summer, but the manager is refusing to make an early predictions.

Speaking of his signings, he told the club's Youtube channel: "They've come because they're winners and we want to do well this season.

"We don't want to be scratching down the bottom six. We want to be competitive and give people a game.

"That's our aim, we haven't broadcast 'we're going to win this or we're going to win that'.

"No, as long as we're competitive and we can put a good showing in for the supporters week-in and week-out then that's good. You never know, we might be lucky."

Some opponents may be wary of the Bucks, but that's something Hayward is expecting.

"That's what we want, all sides to come here and park the bus," he added.

"Think, hold a minute, if we come out against Buxton we might be struggling because if we do start scoring early doors it could be a rout.

"If we don't get at it from minute one, teams can get at us.

"So it's going to be a case of when we're in possession keep the quality, be patient and then everything should come through."

Buxton will kick off their Northern Premier League Premier Division campaign on September 19 when they host Radcliffe, followed by an FA Trophy clash at Whitby Townw on September 26 and league clash at Nantwich three days later.

The Bucks secured a 2-1 friendly victory at Hallam FC on Tuesday evening.