TRAFFORD FC boss Tom Baker is hoping to make it third-time lucky and get the Shawe View men into the top five of Evo-Stik First Division North this season.

Baker is heading into his third campaign at the helm having seen his side finish seventh in his first season in charge and then sixth last term.

And while they agonisingly missed out on the play-offs by two points in 2016/17, he is taking positives from the way they performed into the new campaign which starts on August 12.

Baker told the Messenger: "We have seen progression in the last two years and that is positive for us.

"I am not one for making big predictions but after finishing seventh and then sixth, the top five has to be our aim again this time around.

"We had the same aim last season and were up around the top five for most of the season until near the very end.

"With some good additions this close season, we go into the season confident again."

Baker is understandably cautious with such a competitive league he believes is even stronger again for 2017/18.

He added: "There are 12 teams who will all feel they have a chance of being in contention at the top – it is a strong league that I think gets tougher every season.

"It will not be easy again but I think we have done good business and will be tough to beat again."

That summer business has seen new arrivals into double figures and while happy with his dealings, Baker admits it has again been a busy summer competing to sign players.

The Shawe View manager said: "It is always hard because everyone is after the same level of player – most clubs are in the same boat.

"Invariably, the highest bidder wins the day but we think we have a lot to offer here and it is important when we meet with a player to sell the club and its ambition.

"Players can see we did well last season and have the aim of going one better and getting in that top five.

"I think we have got a good blend of youth and experience and am happy with what we have done.

"People say we are in a good catchment area but you just look at our league alone and there are so many teams from around the Manchester area and we all want good players when they become available."