Aaron Gayle added to the Urchins squad

Hornchurch boss Jimmy McFarlane believes the Ryman Premier League will be tougher to crack than ever this season.

The Urchins have fallen short of the play-offs for the last two seasons and with Lewes, Lowestoft and Carshalton all spending big, the Bridge Avenue chief knows it is going to be even tougher this time around.

“If you’d asked most managers whether they thought last season was going to be difficult, then they’ll say this season is going to be even tougher,” he said.

“Some clubs that were nowhere last season, like Carshalton, have spent big money this summer and you know Lowestoft will also have a big budget.

“Lewes have come down from the Conference South and have also spent well, and East Thurrock will always be tough, so I think it is going to be even harder this season.”

McFarlane has added striker Aaron Gayle to his squad alongside fellow new boys Reiss Noel and Simon Glover.

The Hornchurch boss is delighted. “Aaron has done well in pre-season and has shown me something different from what we had up front last year,” said McFarlane.