Walton & Hersham’s new boss is prepared for the banana skin that could be waiting for them in their first game of Ryman Division One South season.

Steve Baker takes his side to newly promoted Peacehaven & Telscombe on Saturday, adamant the Swans will not be taking a result for granted.

Peacehaven were promoted from the Sussex County League as champions, while the Swans finished fifth from bottom.

And while Baker has only been in charge at Stompond Lane for just four weeks, he has already re-signed five players from last year, brought 10 new faces and instilled a fresh determination into the team.

He said: “It is going to be a learning curve season, I am ready for that, but the pre-season has gone well and although I’ve only been here a short while, I have seen progression in the players from match to match, which is a good sign.

“We’re two months behind everyone else in terms of preparation, so we’re playing catch up, but the lads have bought into what I want to do.”

Among the new faces are midfielders James McShane, Ben Hammond and Warren Gladdy – as well as goalkeeper Tim Roberts.

Baker, who counts Egham United, Beaconsfield and Wingate & Finchley as his former employers is relishing the challenge, which starts at Peacehaven.

He said: “Going to a club that has just been promoted is probably the most difficult game of all.

“They have a winning mentality, they have nothing to fear and there is going to be a party atmosphere.

“I’ve been on both sides on the fence. I was with Hayes when they were promoted to the Ryman Premier, and the first game of the new season was excellent in terms of atmosphere and excitement.”

Looking beyond the first game, Baker has two sets of targets. He said: “After almost being relegated the board have told me they would be happy with a mid-table spot and a decent cup run.

“Personally, I want to challenge the players to be in a position come Christmas where they are able to push on to the play-offs.

“We’ll have more of an idea where we are at as a team at the end of August after the first games of the season.”