IT'S another big year for football on a national level, but just as importantly the Carlsberg SWL kicks off this Saturday with what is expected to be one of the most eagerly awaited seasons in years.

The target for everyone to aim at is five-times champions St Blazey, but among the highly-fancied outfits expected to mount a serious challenge are Bodmin Town and a Truro City side who already have a weight of expectation on their shoulders.

Rivalry between the two local clubs at Kernick Road and Bickland Park will be as keen as ever with Falmouth Town having lost virtually their entire squad from last season and Penryn Athletic having heavily bolstered their numbers with several good signings.

Town boss Gary Penhaligon will manage under different circumstances to those he experienced at St Austell and is well aware of the size of the job in hand.

"Last season Town finished fourth, so our immediate target is to at least try and match that," said Gary. "Unfortunately most of that squad has moved to Truro City and the only player left was Martin Day. I decided to make Martin the captain because of his loyalty and commitment.

"I did hope that one or two of them might remain, but when Steve Massey was unable to obtain some of the players he wanted, he took those that he knew."

That left Gary with the problem of finding a team of players for what is always a challenging managerial position. "The players that I've brought in are those that were with me at St Austell," said Gary. "They did well last season and finished in sixth place, so this will be another season together. Although I am hoping that we can match last season's fourth place, I don't think we will see the best of this squad until the following season.

"We need to stay injury and suspension free, but the latter will depend on how the new ruling on swearing is applied. That could be very interesting, but I think it is too late to do anything about that now because, sadly, it has become a way of life and it won't change now."

Staying injury-free is a problem the team's number one 'keeper is currently having to deal with: "At the moment I'm laid up with a bad back," said Gary "but hopefully I will be fit for the first game of the season. "We still have Johnny Herbert out of action with a knee injury and it could be four weeks before he returns.

"However, all the players are champing at the bit. The ground is looking great and we all know we have to up our game a gear, but most off all everyone is looking forward to the season, especially the playing in the FA Vase which is a new experience for the current squad of players."

The FA Vase will certainly be a new experience for Penryn Athletic who will be playing in the competition for the first time.

"Everyone is looking forward to that," said manager Dave Jenkin,

"We are away to Harrow-on-the-Hill and that's right next door to the new Wembley Stadium, but our season will be to concentrate on establishing ourselves in the top half of the SWL.

"We want to be well placed in readiness for the new leagues to be formed between Cornwall and Devon and to be in the top half of the league."

With the new floodlights now almost ready for switching on and a much strengthened squad, there is a definite buzz about the place at Kernick Road.

"I feel that I've brought a freshness to the place," said David. "As well as the committee there are a lot of people working hard behind the scenes to get everything right.

"I've brought in George Torrance to take the coaching and that's where he will concentrate his efforts. He's a very experienced person who will do a very good job for us.

"I've also got Peter Lewis as my assistant who has taken a lot of the work off my plate. That gives me much more time to devote my energies to where I work best and that's with man management and in the dressing room."

The squad has benefited from a number of former Truro City players such as goalkeeper Andy Avery defenders Gregg Butcher, Mike Cain, and Dean Harris along with midfielders Matt Salmon, Matt Moore, Ben Goldring and striker Steve Rowson. Matt Drummond, who has recovered from his broken leg, has returned to the fold despite competition from neighbours Town, Jamie Thirkle has rejoined from Falmouth Town and Ian Humble, who played at Perranwell, has also signed.

"Everyone here has got the bit between the teeth and we all want this club to be pushing the likes of St Blazey and Bodmin. We don't have any superstars, but we've got what I would call a half-decent squad of hardworking players. There won't be any predictions from me, but we are looking forward to a good season."

Athletic kick off their season with a visit to Penzance whilst Town entertain new boys Goonhavern. On Tuesday Town are at Liskeard Athletic and on Wednesday Penryn are home to Millbrook.