THE TOOLSTATION League Premier Division presents a different challenge for Wiltshire sides Bradford Town and Westbury United ahead of the start of the new season this weekend.

Bradford head into the 2018-19 campaign under new leadership as Rob Mallett looks to maintain the club’s recent improvement having taken the helm at Trowbridge Road earlier this summer following the departure of Danny Greaves to Southern League side Frome Town.

Meanwhile, there is also a fresh feel to things at Westbury as they prepare to start life as a Premier Division side following their promotion as First Division champions last season.

Bradford boss Mallett has his eye on another positive season for the Bobcats after they finished a club record fourth in the standings last term.

The new Bradford manager says preparation for the season has been good, but doesn’t want to get carried away early on.

Mallett was also keen to thank the club’s supporters for the positive messages that have come his way since arriving at Trowbridge Road.

“It has also been a case of ensuring we are putting together a group rather than 18 individuals,” said Mallet, who was previously in charge at First Division side Cadbury Heath.

“I’ve been really pleased with the attitude shown by the lads in training and pre-season.

“We won’t get carried away by friendly results, but the willingness to take on board the messages and buy into what we want to do here has been encouraging so far.

“We will continue to build on these foundations over the coming weeks and months and we’ll see where that takes us this season.

“I really appreciate the messages of support from everyone associated with the club and thank them for their patience.

“I know that the supporters have been anxious for news but we wanted to get the new signings over the line first.”

Westbury, who are headed by father-son duo Neil and Joe Kirkpatrick, haven’t set themselves too many targets ahead of their Premier Division debut and have put consolidation at the top of their priority list.

Neil Kirkpatrick said: “It’s very different to last year.

“This season we will be underdogs every week. We will go into each game looking to win, but we want to establish ourselves as a Premier Division side.

“If we could have a good cup run too, that would be great. We just want to establish the club at this level because it is a big step from where we were.

“We are up against clubs who are paying ridiculous money, so hopefully we can go and spoil the party for a few teams.”