AFC Emley boss Darren Hepworth says he is determined to build upon last season's eighth place in Division One.

He took over the team when they were languishing in the bottom three and an excellent run of form under his leadership saw them claim a top-half finish.

And, Hepworth has set out his intentions to pick up where his side left off last season, saying: "We finished strongly last time out and will look to build on this from day one of the new season.

"I'm delighted that the majority of last season's squad have confirmed to me that they will be staying with the club.

"If we are to challenge for honours this time we will need to add a couple more players to the squad to compete with our rivals.

"I have been busy speaking to some good prospects over the past months and can't wait to put them through their paces in training.

"We are an ambitious side and would encourage anybody who thinks that they can do a job for us to come along to training and force their way into the squad."