As an important part of Braintree Town’s strike force this year, Lee Barnard is particularly pleased with the attacking intent that manager Jamie Day is showing with the Iron squad that he has assembled.

While Braintree’s defence won plaudits for how tight it was in the Vanarama National League last year, the Iron couldn’t be described as prolific in the goal-scoring stakes, especially in front of their own fans.

Only four other sides in the whole division scored fewer home goals than previous boss Danny Cowley’s team, but Day’s signings since taking over as Braintree manager have shown that he is looking for more attacking intent.

The addition of players such as Barnard and Jack Midson, as well as retaining the services of Michael Cheek and Simeon Akinola, have shown what the new boss expects from his team and the former Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton striker is excited by the forward prospects.

“An attacking intent is exactly what you want as a striker,” said Barnard, who made 31 appearances for League Two side Crawley last season.

“You want lots of chances and crosses in the box and looking at the players who we’ve got in, I think it’s going to be exciting.

“I’m looking forward to it.

“It’s tough to gauge how the team will come together as sometimes it clicks and others it takes a little bit of time.

“But we are getting to know each other.

“It’s too early to say what expectations we should have, but as a player, you always have ambition and you want to be at the top of the table.

“You always go into a season feeling that you’re going to do something, but you need to have a sensible head on and realise that we have so many new faces and it might take time.

“However, your ambition is always high and you feel you can do something.

“I don’t think there’s any pressure because of what the club did last year, though.

“The club did fantastically well but it’s a new season now and a new team.

“It will be different, but fingers crossed we can do well and make people proud of us.”

Barnard was on target as Braintree won their penultimate pre-season friendly at National League South side Concord Rangers on Wednesday.

He found the target from the penalty spot in a 3-1 victory, alongside strikes for Cheek and Akinola and the Iron will be looking to finish their preparations with a flourish when they head to Bishop's Stortford today.

With a wealth of experience at clubs such as Tottenham in the Premier League and with Southend United and Southampton in the Football League, the 32-year-old knows he will be a player who will be seen as a key part of Day’s squad.

He is looking forward to helping younger players progress, however, Barnard doesn’t feel any added pressure because of where he has played in the past.

“The manager knows what he wants, but first and foremost I want to be playing and scoring goals,” he added.

“That won’t change, but I’m a bit older now and I’ve been around a little bit so if I can help the younger players in any way then I’ll look to do that.

“It will be interesting for me and I’m looking forward to it “I don’t see an extra pressure on me.

“I know I’ve come down, but I just want to enjoy my football.

“That’s the main thing for me and if I can help with the youngsters then I’ll try to do that. I’ll put 100 per cent in and hope I can do well.”