Jimmy Cooper has warned his Metropolitan Police squad that they are all playing for their places this season, regardless of their reputation.

The Blues are determined to shed their nearly-men tag this coming season, having come up short in the Ryman Division One South play-offs in four of the last five years.

And Cooper has vowed to get ruthless if necessary.

He said: “We had our first training session last week and 45 players turned up and that gives me a great boost.

“All of the extra players have Ryman League experience, and they will all be given a chance to impress me.

“If any player that was here last year thinks they are ensconced in the first team then they need to buck their ideas up.

“Some of the players that turned up were a real surprise, and it is great to know the Met have that lure.

“It is going to be difficult to keep everybody happy, but that is what pre-season is all about.

“I will have to make some tough decisions, but anybody I decide to let go will be released early enough to find another club.”

The Met have also lined up a tough pre-season schedule, with fixtures against Ryman Premier sides Sutton United and Kingstonian, and Blue Square Premier side Grays Athletic.

And Cooper reckons it is the perfect tune-up for his side.

He added: “As far as I am concerned we are a Ryman Premier side playing in the Division One South.

“We want to test ourselves against clubs from a higher level as that is what we are aiming for.

“Fixtures like this will show us where we are and where we need to improve.

“I think it will be ideal preparation and I cannot wait. ”