The aim for Berkhamsted in the Premier Division this season is simple - finish four places higher than they did in the previous campaign and seal promotion.

Berko manager Mick Vipond guided his side to fifth in the table last season but wants to improve on that.

He’s bolstered his squad over the summer. Danny Ryan, BJ Christie, Craig Butler, Courtney Massey and James Baldry have arrived from AFC Dunstable in addition to members of their coaching staff.

Vipond believes Berkhamsted have a stronger squad this season but knows competition for the sole promotion spot is fierce.

“The aim is to finish four places higher this season,” he said. “We appreciate that won’t be easy. There are probably half a dozen sides that are capable of challenging for that place and we’re hoping to be one of them.”

One player Berko have lost this summer is last season’s top scorer Connor Calcutt, who is currently on trial at Stevenage.

Vipond said: “It’s a shame to have lost Connor. Any player that scored more than 40 goals will be difficult to replace. We wish him well though and his departure gives others the opportunity to step up.”

Berko booked their place in the Herts Charity Shield quarter-final on Tuesday after defeating Hatfield Town 4-3 on penalties. The game ended 3-3 after 90 minutes. Christie, Josh Chamberlain and Jordon Frederick netted for Berko in normal time.