“I expect the league to be very competitive but I think that our levels can go up as well,” Striker Callum Bridge is heading into the new season full of confidence.
University of Gloucestershire Men’s Football Firsts make their anticipated return to Western Tier Two on Wednesday afternoon after four years away from the division.
“The boys can’t wait to get back underway. After a brilliant season last year we know we can compete at this level.
“Personally I’m always looking up. That might be silly but we’ve got to believe we can win it and there is no reason why we can’t win the league again.”
Gloucester get their league season underway as they host UWE Two’s at Plock Court.
Forward Bridge believes their home form will be crucial with the side looking to replicate last year’s success.
“At home last season we made this place (Plock Court) a fortress. We made sure that we don’t lose and don’t drop points here.
“We’ll be hoping to do the same again this year. Any team that comes to Plock will need to be at their very best to beat us.”
The boys in blue concluded their pre-season campaign last week with an impressive 1-0 victory over higher league opposition UWE 1s.
The Welshman was impressed with the team’s performance, especially against a Tier One side.
“It was very impressive (the team’s performance). Our first game all together, it looked like we had been playing for years with each other.
“It was a great overall performance. Defensively we were superb and we created a lot of chances where we now just need to be more ruthless in front of goal.”
Several first years have integrated into the squad and striker Bridge was full of praise for the impact they have made.
“The first years have come in and have already made a big impression. All of them are good characters and good people to have in the dressing room.
“They’ve all got good footballing ability but are also getting involved with activities off the pitch which is only going to improve our togetherness as a squad.
Gloucester achieved promotion last year after a title-winning campaign in Western Tier Three.
The 21-year-old reflected on what was a superb 12 months for the club on and off the pitch.
“Last season we had a brilliant year. All the boys put in a lot of work to make that season so successful.
“Going unbeaten in the league, a lot of things went right for us last season and we’re hoping for a similar level of success this year.”
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