Urchins set to kick off new Ryman Premier Division season

Hornchurch manager Jimmy McFarlane is pleased with his lot and raring to go for a new season.

Urchins just missed out on a Premier Division play-off place last term, but have made a few key additions to their squad.

And a good pre-season campaign has given McFarlane heart as the race for 2011/12 honours gets underway this weekend.

He said: “I’m very pleased. I don’t want to get carried away, but apart from the second half against Maidstone on Saturday (a 1-0 defeat) I’ve not had any complaints.

“The boys have been spot-on, in every training session and every friendly.

“Sometimes it’s hard to settle three or four new players in at the same time. But all of them have settled into the football side of things and are the right type of people and characters for us.”

Joining the Urchins ranks this summer are Simon Glover, Reiss Noel, Aaron Gayle and Ed O’Neill, while McFarlane was also hoping to agree terms for the return of striker Jo Flack.

He added: “Simon’s had a great pre-season and I’ve been really impressed with his attitude. I knew he could play, but he’s the first to training, the last to leave and does a bit of extra running.

“He’s only 29 himself, but he’s a great example to the younger lads to see what they need to do.

“Reiss was the best possible signing I know we could make to replace Rickie Hayles.

“I was gutted to lose Rickie, but I don’t think there’s anyone better to replace him than Reiss.

“Ed is one for the future after being released by Barnet

“Aaron is a big, fit lad, a bit gangly and awkward, who will win you headers and stop the ball coming back at us. We tried Brian Haule last season, but he wasn’t the answer.

“Martin Tuohy will get goals week-in and week-out, while Lewis Smith is a bit more off the cuff and a wild card. I’d love to keep Jo and this is where he wants to be.”