Defensive duties come first

Walton Casuals manager Mark Hams insists defence will be his top priority when the new Ryman League campaign kicks off in August.

The First Division South's Casuals were only saved from relegation into the Combined Counties League by this summer's restructuring of Non-League by the Football Association and Hams is determined they'll be much harder to beat next time around after their reprieve.

The former Kingstonian assistant manager, who took over the reins at Waterside Drive in June, said: "We need to make sure we don’t concede. I am old school and to me, having a foundation at the back is most important.

"I am not saying we’re going to turn into a George Graham kind of side, but we have to be secure at the back before we can start getting arrogant and fly forward at any opportunity."

Casuals take on Ryman Premier Kingstonian this weekend and Hams believes the club are in good shape despite the recent departure of skipper Craig Lewington.

The Casuals manager, who's hoping to strengthen further as their pre-season programme gets fully nunderway, said: "Everything is starting to fall into place, we have had three training sessions and the boys are looking sharp. I want to get a good strong youthful side but I need some experienced names to help them along the way."