PHIL Parkinson has moved to rein in expectations among Altrincham supporters by warning a second straight title success may prove an unrealistic target.

The Alty manager believes his players will be buoyed by winning the Evo-Stik Premier in style but is under no illusions about the difficulty of ruling the roost in National League North next season.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s opening pre-season friendly at Rhyl, Parkinson said: "Last season, I knew it was all about promotion, but this season will be a completely different animal.

"We are going to play against some huge clubs, ex-Football League clubs.

"We have ambition to be in the top half of the table in the Conference North and hopefully continue the momentum we have as champions.

"We have retained 15 of the lads, and we could be a surprise package.

"We are not going into it just to make up the numbers, but, equally, I’m not going to say we are going to win it or get into the play-offs.

‘That would be wrong, because there are a lot of full-time sides, but we are not full time.

"It is a season of transition to see where we fit in, and it would be ridiculous to give our fans false hope."

After signing midfielder Sean Williams, defender Liam Goulding and forward Anthony Dwyer, Parkinson may now try to recruit a keeper to challenge Tony Thompson for the number one spot, following the retirement of Tim Deasy.

"I would probably like to bring in a keeper to add a bit of competition," he said.

"That is going to be key for us. I like to reward success and maintain continuity.

"Others who win leagues sometimes shed eight or nine players, but I believe these lads deserve the opportunity to prove themselves.

"It is up to them to deliver, but I did sign them with one eye on us winning promotion last season and playing in the league above."

Following Saturday’s trip to Rhyl, Alty have another friendly at Kidsgrove Athletic on Tuesday night.