Vanarama's National League North fan preview: Alfreton Town

Impact Arena regular Sam Ward chews the fat ahead of Billy Heath's second season in the Reds' dugout.

League sponsors Vanarama have been getting the fans’ perspective ahead of the new season - which kicks off this Saturday

It’s almost time for the big kick-off. What will be on offer for Alfreton fans this season?
Flirting with the play-offs we hope and some good football on the best pitch outside the Football League.

Aside from the bottom three, you had the second-worst defence in the division last season. Will the signing of Shane Killock help that?
He’s a very good addition. He played a full season in a strong Bradford (Park Avenue) side last season. He’s an experienced campaigner who should help to solidify us at the back.

Does the signing of someone like Amari Morgan-Smith signal your intentions for the season?
With Reece Styche leaving, we were desperate for a goalscorer. Everyone is hoping Morgan-Smith is the man to bag the goals for us. His reputation among Telford fans gives us confidence he’s up for the task.

What signing has impressed you the most?
Signing Dom Smith on loan and then turning it to a permanent deal this summer after a successful spell.

What’s changed since this time last year?
Players we’ve kept now understand each other and the club and the additions will only help the side. Defensively we will be stronger.

Which player could be your standout performer over the next nine months?
Dec Bacon. He’s looked sharp in pre-season - expect his pace in behind and eye for goal to cause problems for teams.

Who will be the main challengers for promotion?
Chester, Boston and York will be up there.

What away days are marked on the calendar already?
York. It’s a brilliant city and we’re not sure whether we’ll be going to Bootham Crescent or the new place.

What is the game you simply want to win?
Spennymoor and Altrincham battered us 7-1 at home last season; revenge required.

Who is an opposition player you wish played for you?
Nathan Arnold. I’d love him here. He’s far too good for this level.

Finally, where will you end up this season?
14th. We might flirt with play-offs early on but we’ll fade away.

Vanarama, the leading van leasing brand in the UK, have recently launched the National League Club Reward Scheme to help fans back their club’s budget. Every time a fan takes out a brand new van lease with Vanarama or a brand new car lease with Motorama their club will earn £100 and you will receive £30 cashback.

For the latest van leasing deals, head to Vanarama.
For the latest car leasing deals, head to Motorama.

Where next?

Club-by-Club Guide for the Vanarama National League North With only three days to go until the start of the new season, we’ve prepared a special Twitter Club-by-Club guide.
BT Sport's Pundits on their Vanarama National League Season Predictions The BT Sport cameras roll once again, with the season's live coverage kick-starting at Edgeley Park on Saturday as Stockport County face Maidenhead United.

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