SARTORIAL considerations are just one of the things occupying the mind of manager Brad Quinton as he makes final preparations for the start of the Vanarama National League season on Saturday.

Having earned promotion from National League South via their play-off final success at Hampton and Richmond Borough in May, the Iron have an exciting campaign in prospect as they return - after just one year at the lower level - to the top flight of non-league football.

They kick it off with a home game against FC Halifax Town on Saturday (kick-off 3pm) and swiftly follow that with a trip to Barnet, who were relegated from League Two last season, on Tuesday (kick-off 7.45pm).

Although he has never managed in the National League before, Quinton knows what it takes to play at that level and he is excited for his players as many of them won't have experienced those tests themselves.

But the Iron boss is also pondering the dilemma of whether a suit will be his outfit of choice in the technical area this year or if he should stick with his Braintree training kit as he did when leading the team to promotion glory last season.

He said: “I’m debating whether or not to wear a suit this year so that’s one thing in my mind, but I’m having sleepless nights because I’m so excited to be back and to be somewhere where this club didn’t expect to be so quickly.

“I have played in the National League and I’ve enjoyed that level as a player and I just hope these boys absorb it like a sponge and take it all in.

“It’s such a fantastic level to be playing at.

“We’ll be prepared for it and my squad will be properly organised with set pieces, their pattern of play and shape and we’ll be ready for that game against Halifax.

“The games come round thick and fast so we do have to be ready.

“There are a lot in that first month and we know we’ll be without Nathan (McDonald for the first two games) and Billy (Crook for five games) so that’s a blow straight off but we’ll be ready.

“I really am looking forward to it now.

“I think some of the guys will realise at half past five on Saturday what it really is all about.

“They’ll then be heading to Barnet and Chesterfield and they’ll wake up and smell the coffee.

“We have to be patient and supportive of these young boys in this squad and the financial backing that the club have given us.

“We are proud of where we are and what we’ve done and I’d like to thank everyone who has played their part in getting us to this point."

Quinton added that he hoped central defender Michael Clark would come back into the side for the game against Halifax after he missed the final pre-season fixture against Chelmsford City last weekend.

“Michael missed the Chelmsford game because he had an ingrowing toenail, which he’s had done," said Quinton..

“Leaving him out (against the Clarets) was just a precaution really and he’ll be prepared for next week so he’s available.”