LEE Sinnott has called for a positive start from his Altrincham side to ensure they are not caught out by any early pacesetters in this season’s Skrill North title race.

In common with other teams, Alty were forced to play catch-up in each of the past two campaigns, as Hyde and then Chester came flying out of the traps and turned the battle for top place into a procession.

Sinnott is determined to avoid any repeat, as he prepares for Saturday’s opener at Worcester City and next Tuesday’s first home game against Barrow.

“I’m not one for rash predictions, but if we can look to improve on what we did last season, we won’t go far wrong,” he said.

“We have all seen the benefits of a good start, over the past couple of seasons, and the players and I are very much focused on doing just that. The games come thick and fast to begin with, and we don’t want to get left behind.

“When you think how we didn’t make the greatest of starts last season but still reached the play-offs, you get an idea of what might be possible if we can begin in positive fashion this time.

“This league has a history of someone setting off like a house on fire, and it would be nice to be in the mix with anyone who does that. It’s not do or die, as we illustrated last season, but that is the message I have been drilling into the players and will continue to.”

Alty have had a welcome boost on the injury front, with Simon Richman’s powers of recovery allaying fears he could miss a chunk of the early games.

“The ankle injury he picked up with the GB Universities squad ended up irritating his knee, but it has settled down, and he was able to do some light training yesterday,” said Sinnott. “He has not done any competitive training for four weeks, but Simon being Simon, he’s got a chance for Tuesday against Barrow.

“We’ve had a couple of accidents at work to contend with, as well, with Stuart Coburn cutting his knee and James Walshaw treading on a nail. The stitches have been left in Stuart’s knee as a precaution, but they should both be fine for Saturday.”

Alty completed the signing of Brian Smikle after their final pre-season game, a 3-2 win over Burnley, and Sinnott added: “There is a sharpness about Brian’s movement, and he will help create chances for others.”