It says much about the feel-good factor around Kings Langley right now that boss Paul Hughes’ target of winning every game after promotion to the Southern League does not sound ridiculous.

Kings are still riding the crest of a wave after securing their second promotion in as many seasons by winning the Spartan South Midlands Premier Division in April, and they now enter the Southern League Division One Central for the first time.

That will see Hughes and joint-boss Ritchie Hanlon lead Kings against sides of a high standard, and with the National League South just two promotions away, it is fair to say the Gaywood Park side have reached lofty heights.

Asked what the target would be for the new season, which begins at home to St Ives Town tomorrow, Hughes replied without hesitation: “We want to win every game and the players are under no illusions that is our target.

“Ritchie and I have said that to them and that is their brief.

“Whether or not they fulfil that brief we will see,” chuckled Hughes. “We want to stay in the league and make a good account of ourselves and we believe we can.”

And there is no doubts Kings will be up against it.

Clubs pay their players well at this level and although they have full-time jobs too, money does the talking.

Hughes and Hanlon have been in the game long enough to know that.

But they also knew they were up against it last season when they took the Premier Division by storm to clinch the title, picking up 103 points and scoring 127 league goals in the process.

“We won the league below well so they deserve the chance to prove themselves at a higher level,” stated Hughes.

“We know we need to improve but I think it will be a plus to go into the season with most of the same squad which has done so well the last two seasons.”

Kings have made just two summer additions, bringing in forward Danny May and former London Colney defender Sam Doolan.

And whilst Hughes and Hanlon are more than content with their modest summer spend, further signings have not been ruled out either.

“We have not got a big budget so we have not got much choice with bringing people in for money,” said Hughes.

“But you never know who will become available from larger teams if they are not playing as much as they would like; some of their squad players will become available.”

Kings travel to Beaconsfield SYCOB on Monday in their second fixture of the season.

The Hertfordshire Charity Shield got underway in the past week for the South Midlands clubs and Oxhey Jets sealed their place in round two with a 4-2 home win against Hertford.

Less successful were Sun Sports, who kicked off with a 2-1 home defeat by Hadley.

Berkhamsted were also beaten, going down 5-2 at home to St Margaretsbury in an end-to-end encounter.

Tring Athletic fared better, cruising through with a 3-0 win at Hatfield Town.

Leverstock Green began life under new boss Paul Faulkner with an encouraging 3-1 success at Broxbourne Borough.