ST Martins manager Liam Braisdell has backed his new look squad to hold their own next season.

The club’s relegation from the North West Counties South League was confirmed months ago after a nightmare campaign which saw four managers installed.

Braisdell saw out the campaign and has since been tasked with steadying the ship in the club’s 125th anniversary campaign which is likely to be spent in the Salop Leisure Shropshire Premier League.

Braisdell said: “Last season seems like such a long time ago now. I think we all agree at the club that we are glad to see the back of it.

“Since my appointment as first team manger, myself and Tom Ash have been working hard on next season’s plans with recruitment being the integral part of that conversation.”

The Saints will look to utilise some of the younger graduates of its senior ranks who have progressed through their reserve side next season.

Braisdell said: “We’ve managed to retain a good proportion of our young players who have represented the club well in the last two years, achieving a second place finish in the Shropshire Minor League and respectable finish in the Salop Leisure League first division.”

Braisdell insisted these players would go into the new campaign with no external pressure and hoped the players would step up to the challenge.

“These young lads have nothing to prove to anyone but themselves and us,” said Braisdell. “We have already been written off by many along with myself as manager of the football club.”

However Braisdell insisted the Saints could use this as part of their armoury next season.

“Having no expectation allows us to express ourselves in another tough league as a young team and management team,” added Braisdell. “We can’t wait to kick off our pre-season.”

Next season will also see the club return to St Martins Sports Field having departed Park Hall, home of JD Cymru Premier champions TNS, at the end of last season.

Pre-season begins with a visit from MMP Central League North side Four Crosses on Saturday, July 2 with a 3pm kick-off before a trip to Farndon on Tuesday, July 5 at 7pm. The Saints entertain Haughmond U18s on Saturday, July 9 at 3pm.

The Saints begin their Graham Edwards Memorial Trophy campaign against Llangollen Town Reserves in Gobowen on Thursday, July 14, with a 6.30pm kick off.

A trip across the border to MMP Central League North side Llansantffraid awaits on Saturday, July 16 with a 2.30pm kick off.

The Saints return to Graham Edwards Memorial Trophy action on Tuesday, July 18 when they take on hosts Gobowen Celtic at 6.30pm before taking on MMP Central League North side Meifod at 12pm on July 24.