The Blues ended last season mid-table after flirting with the play-offs for a few months at the turn of the year. They lost the Suffolk Premier Cup final to Felixstowe & Walton, but looked back on a campaign, including a fine FA Cup run, with lots of positives.

This weekend it all starts again and Halesowen, who did reach the play-offs last season after a late dash 13-game unbeaten run, will be tough opposition – something Leiston boss Chris Wigger knows.

“I’m really looking forward to the start of the season,” he said.

“We’re at home, in front of our own fans. Halesowen are a big draw and will bring plenty of support, we know that. It all adds up to what should be a great atmosphere and a great opening day occasion.

“It’s important we set our stall out, get a marker down and understand where we are as a group.”

The early season fixtures don’t get any easier for the Blues as they head to Kettering on Tuesday night, the Poppies just missing out on promotion last season, not that Wigger is overly concerned.

“Many people have said to me it’s a tough start, which of course it is,” he said.

“Kettering are tipped to be top four by most people and that’s not surprising.

"Maybe getting them early, in a midweek, when hopefully the weather is favourable and before they get their momentum going could be a good thing. Here’s hoping so. We will certainly go there with a positive mindset and strong attitude.”

Leiston have seen a few departures in the summer, including George Quantrell (to Bury), Kyran Clements (AFC Sudbury) and Ollie Saunders (to Needham).

But Wigger feels they have bought in some good players. “We’ve recruited well,” he said.

“Some players are ready to go, jump in, hit the ground running, others will take a little time to adjust to the level. As a management team we are very aware of that.”