With odds of 22-1, Vics are seen by the bookmakers as only the 12th most likely team to win the title. Odds-on favourites, not surprisingly, are big spending Rushden & Diamonds.

But it doesn't bother manager Phil Wilson that Vics are seen as less likely to win the league than teams such as Yeovil, Kingstonian and Kettering.

He said: "We are a stronger team than we were last year. We have brought in some good players with good ability and we showed in the Conference Sevens we can compete with the best teams in the league.

"The odds may well be a realistic price when you look at the club's resources."

He added: "Sides like Rushden and Barrow have far greater resources than we have. But we are working within a budget and we actually made a profit last year. I worked hard before the end of the season doing my home work and it meant we could bring in quality players under the Bosman ruling which must have saved us £40,000 or £50,000. It takes time to build up a strong side, but I am happy with the additions to the squad."

The string of new faces at The Drill Field certainly seem to have fitted in well. But for the big kick-off at Hayes on Saturday Wilson will be without Jamie Bates (suspended) and Val Owen, expected to be out for another two weeks with ligament damage. Add to that the suspension of Dominic Crookes and an injury making Mark Gardiner a doubt and it makes it a tough opening fixture for Wilson.

He said: "Every team starts with a clean sheet. On Saturday we will have to be patient. The fans shouldn't get too carried away after the pre-season."

Next Tuesday Vics' first home league game of the season sees Kidderminster, quoted at 18-1 for the title, visiting The Drill Field.

Wilson was hoping to complete the signing of defender John Robertson, 24, last night, Tuesday to bolster his squad further. Vics' boss is still looking for a midfielder to provide cover, but he doesn't view a new signing as a priority.

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