DALTON United manager Graham Bickerstaff is hoping his side’s thorough pre-season preparation will ensure a positive start to the season at home to Wyre Villa tomorrow, writes JAMES MADDEN.

The recruitment of coach Brett Evans from Hawcoat Park has meant United are looking promising ahead of the new West Lancs Division One season.

“We have been training for the last six to seven weeks, twice a day, to build up our fitness,” Bickerstaff said. “Brett has done a brilliant job getting the team into the best shape possible.”

While not all their pre-season results were positive, Bickerstaff is not too concerned about scorelines at this stage.

“Results are meaningless in pre-season, it’s all about preparation,” he said.

United endured a difficult season last year, finishing bottom of Division One. However, they avoided relegation due to the restructuring of the leagues.

“We do feel lucky not to get relegated, but hopefully we can use the good fortune to our advantage and get off to a solid start,” Bickerstaff added.

The Railway Meadow boss has a sense of optimism after several new signings were made to bolster the squad.

Danny Leech and Ryan Barker signed from Ulverston Rangers and Barrow Celtic respectively, while the arrival of Curt Robinson as well suggests United are looking to ensure a repeat of last season does not happen.

As well as receiving a boost through new signings, they have also managed to keep hold of the majority of last season’s squad, with Bickerstaff hoping to establish a settled environment.

United’s biggest loss of the summer arguably comes off the field, with the departure of first-team coach Dan Myles. Bickerstaff says he will still be influential in some capacity, but he has taken a step back to focus on other commitments.

“It is a blow as he is a huge asset to the club, but work and the fact his wife has only recently given birth means he is unable to give up his time week in, week out,” said the new boss.

Bickerstaff has already highlighted August as a crucial month in the season, saying: “The first month is vital, especially with us having seven games.

“It is massively important we hit the ground running. Last year we only had four points by Christmas, that simply cannot happen again this time round.”

Elsewhere in Division One tomorrow, Hawcoat Park host Burscough Richmond and Askam United travel to Lytham Town. GSK Ulverston Rangers are without a game after Burnley United withdrew from the league.

In Division Two, Walney Island, Millom, Swarthmoor, Furness Cavaliers and Furness Rovers all start their campaigns away from home.

Holker Old Boys begin their promotion push in the renamed Hallmark Security North West Counties Division One at Sandbach United.