BUDE Town boss Steve Hackett admits the Seasiders are ‘ under no illusions that this season is going to be tough’ as they prepare for their SWPL Premier West opener at home to Dobwalls tomorrow (3pm).

Hackett, who enjoyed a trophy-laden spell in charge of the reserves, has stepped up to the top job at Broadclose Park following the departure of Ben Potter, but has had to rebuild from scratch.

But with the club really looking to establish themselves within the community, excitement is high.

Hackett said: “We’re really excited to get going now. Pre-season has been really exciting on and off the pitch. Behind the scenes we have been busy getting new local sponsors on board for all new kits and equipment for the players, lots of sprucing up of the facilities and the new stand is being built which will be fantastic once done. 

“On the pitch, we have signed some exciting players which will strengthen and improve the squad and add competition for places. The players have trained really hard, worked on their fitness and the coaching sessions have been superb from Rob Francis, Liam Dart and Karl Tweitman.”

Hackett is trusting in many of last year’s St Piran League Division Three East winning squad, but believes they can bridge the four-division gap.

He said: “A lot of the reserve players we brought into the club over the last couple of seasons were ready for a step up into SWPL football - being young, eager to learn and develop, with the coaching levels they received and the hunger of these players, they deserve the opportunity to showcase their abilities on the higher stage. 

“A lot of them were being messaged by local SWPL clubs, so we are glad to have taken the first team on and give these lads the opportunity to play at the level. Ewan Reeves, Steve Box, George Harvey, Ruan Tape, Mason Tape, Gary Clarke, Lloyd Scaife, Ty Rowe have already played the standard. 

James Wheeler, Finn Reeve, Harrison Swatton, Jago Tweitman, Aled Thomas are all players who have the ability and attitude to play the standard and we have full confidence in them, but understand they might need time to adjust. 

The other new signings have been superb in pre-season with Rocco Dyer, Will Rees and Maximus Alvarez-Lopera settling in nicely and it’s been really rewarding to give game time to some lads from last seasons under 16s who look really promising.”

Hackett believes their camaraderie will go a long way.

He said: “We make training fun and interesting, the sessions and drills are often designed so that the lads can have a bit of fun in amongst the serious stuff. 

“At the end of last season we had a squad holiday to Magaluf and the lads had a great time after the successes of a league and cup double. 

“There is a great team spirit in the dressing room, everyone gets on well and we all stick together and support each other. We are a firm believer in keeping players happy and all of the above goes a long way towards a happy camp.”

But Hackett knows that playing against some of the best teams in Cornwall will be a real learning curve for his squad.

He said: “We are under no illusions that this season is going to be tough. We are prepared to work hard for each other and play for the badge. 

“The club understands that we are in a transitional period, and will give us time and patience to build a competitive team in the SWPL. The foundations are in place, the talent and potential is at the club and we want to keep building until we are an established team in the league who are renowned for being a tough place to play and a place where players can come, enjoy their football, develop and add big value to Bude FC.”

Bude’s first task is against a Dobwalls side that finished sixth last year, and look a good bet to be up around there again.

Hackett said: “We are expecting a tough match, Dobwalls did well last season and have made some good signings. We are looking forward to the challenge, and will be prepared to work hard and play our natural game. 

“I expect my team to always give 100% without excuses and at home we will look to play on the front foot and break quickly.”