The popular striker also has 17 goals to his name for the Blues during his tenure, and this pre-season he has found the net already. So, Mills, 28, is hoping his good run of form in front of goal can continue with the season now starting, and he admits he is glad pre-season is now behind him!

“I’ve never been a lover of pre-season, but that’s what gets you back into it, that’s what gets you fit and ready to go,” Mills said.

“Yes, it’s nice to get a few goals already, hopefully I can continue them into the season. I’ve got personal targets, and as a team I would like to see us in and around the play-off picture. We are more than capable and strong enough to compete.”

WIGGER'S thoughts on opening day clash

Mills re-joined Chris Wigger’s side halfway through last season, after a previous spell with the Blues, but he was cup-tied for the Suffolk Premier Cup clashes, where the Blues fell at the last hurdle back in April, to Felixstowe & Walton in the final.

However, he is looking forward now to a full season ahead and knows Halesowen is a big early test on opening day this afternoon.

“It’s a big start, that’s for sure,” Mills said. “But then again every game this season is going to be a tough one, it feels the league just gets tougher each season.”