EXPERIENCED midfielder John Watson knows how important the early part of the Bostik League division north season could be for Witham Town this year.

Witham are beginning life under new manager Mark Ashford and their players have been working hard to make sure they get off on the right foot when the season starts against Grays Athletic on August 11.

The club know they are battling on what chairman Mark Nicholls feels is the second lowest budget in the division, but they have shown good form in pre-season with new players blending well alongside a sizeable core from last year's squad.

Watson, who will also take up a coaching role alongside Ashford this year, knows it will be a hard-fought division, though, and the 34-year-old feels the start they make can be key for them.

He said: “The division looks tough when you look at the teams in there and the budgets they have.

“It’s not all down to money but it helps and we have to go up against that.

“I think the early part of the season can be important as, if we do well, the players will see that what Mark’s telling them is working.

“If you can come out of the traps flying then everyone’s on board and everyone’s buzzing so hopefully we can make that good start.

“However, we have to appreciate that it’s going to be tougher than some previous seasons and I can see it being hard."