WARRINGTON Town FC manager Alan Blair is setting his targets on promotion for the season that starts on Saturday.

He believes that the side's continuity will be their main asset.

Town have a settled side of players whereas other teams have recruited heavily in the off-season and Blair feels this could upset their balance.

The only new face in the starting line-up for Saturday's home game against Chadderton at 3pm will be Ian McElland in the centre of defence.

Blair has played with the 33-year-old signed from Curzon Ashton and believes his experience will be a valuable asset to the team.

Dave Tickle, Robbie Preidt and Neil Marsh were all given run-outs on Tuesday in a friendly against Eagle Sports to see if they are match fit.

Tickle has a good chance of selection for Saturday but Preidt, who missed all the pre-season games through a broken toe and Marsh, who has just returned to the club, may not be risked.

Neil Morgan will be the only notable absentee for the season's opener and Blair is leaving it until late to decide whether he will opt for Neil McCormack or Alan Thompson in goal.

Blair said: "We need a good start to the season if we want to do well. Last year we suffered from inconsistency.

"We coped well with the top teams but always seemed to struggle against the bottom sides.

"Last year we had a small squad and some of our better players did not perform.

"We have Andy Tague and Kevin Tyrell fully fit for the start of this season, so they are like two new signings."

Town's arch-rivals Tetley Walker, who finished above them for the first time in history last season, are facing difficulties for their opening game.

But manager Alan Aspinall still has high ambition for the season ahead. He revealed that the side should aim for nothing less than a league and cup double.

Five close-season signings have bolstered the squad but two of those will not be available for Saturday.

Steve Pennington was St. Helens Town's top scorer last season but he is doubtful to be fit for the weekend. And another St. Helens recruit, Gary Bickerstaffe, who has been impressive in the friendlies, could also miss out.

Other absentees from either injury, holidays or weddings include Lee Webster, Carl Dermott, Dave Aspinall, Neil Maher and Jimmy Collins.

Manager Aspinall said: "We will start with a scratch side but we do have a strong squad when everyone is available.

"Once we get over this hiccup we will be fine but with a tough start to the season against Squires Gate and Nelson we will have to be on our mettle.

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