Lack of big guns will suit Brakes

Salisbury’s two-division demotion last season and Truro’s unlimited resources marked them out as clear favourites to go up, while Farnborough splashed the cash the previous year to win the title.

However, this time out there are no clear leaders in the betting market, with Cambridge City an uneasy 9/2 and Brackley next best at 11/2.

Brakes are third favourites at 13/2, which Holleran feels is a fair reflection given last season’s fifth-placed finish.

But, with seven new teams entering the division this year - three of whom Brakes face in the opening month - Holleran says it might take a while for a clearer picture to emerge.

“I’m aware it is going to be a very competitive league,” he said.

“I’m not sure there’s going to be a Truro, a Salisbury or a Farnborough which makes it quite interesting.

“A few sides have come up with optimism like Barwell, Frome and AFC Totton. Redditch have got a new chairman, St Albans have new ideas and a new chairman.

“Then you look at Brackley. They assembled a wonderful squad last year but it didn’t happen for them. But now the manager says he has rid them of their bad apples.

“Hemel Hempstead are always very competitive financially and Oxford City we’re well aware are competitive financially having had one of our players leave to join them.”

Following on from last season’s play-off defeat at Hednesford, Brakes would expect to be up there again among the leading contenders.

The loss of strikers Luke Corbett and James Rowe has been offset by the signing of fans favourite Ben Mackey and Tom Berwick, while strength in depth has been provided with the addition of James Mace, Kyle Cartwright and Craig Owen.

However, despite looking stronger on paper, Holleran is aware his side have to show the strength of character to bounce back from their play-off heartbreak.

“First and foremost we have to get back into the play-offs. There are a few sides like Hemel and Chippenham that haven’t been able to do it again.

“When I took over I said I wanted us to be a good side in this division.

“Have we got the resources to win the league? I don’t know. We don’t run with a massive squad, but it is a quality squad. We just need to keep key players on the pitch.”