Hampton & Richmond chairman Steve McPherson has claimed he is more determined than ever to get his club back into the Conference – but refuses to risk its future by chasing the dream.

The new-look Beavers kick-off their Ryman Premier campaign at home to Margate this weekend.

But, with a number of rival clubs shelling out again to increase their chances of success in the Ryman League, Hampton have kept their spending steady. But that has not stopped them adding real quality, with former star Stuart Lake arriving, and another old face, Charlie Moone, back at the Beveree.

Ex-Crawley midfielder Tommy Brewer has added power to their midfield, with former Norwich City frontman Jordan Rocastle also coming on board.

Although pre-season results have been mixed, McPherson thinks the squad is good enough to at least make a go for the play-offs, but knows their numbers must add up.

He said: “We’re all really excited about the season.

“Paul Barry and Darren Powell have come in and really got their teeth into the job.

“I think we’ve put together a tidy squad and, if we make a good start to the season, who knows where it will take us.

“Perhaps not too many people are mentioning Hampton & Richmond in terms of winning the title due to our poor second half of last season.

“That’s fine by me, it keeps the pressure off.

“We certainly aren’t in the business of throwing money at the team, but there are a lot of positives.

“There are always sides that make the big signings that leave others a little envious, but we’re not going to try and match them pound for pound by spending silly money to make sure we compete.

“We believe this is the right way to do things – the club’s security has to come first.”

Margate are first up this weekend and the chairman is urging fans to respond to the positivity surrounding the club by turning up in their numbers.

He said: “We need their support more than ever. At the start of last season our crowds were terrific. “Let’s hope it is similar this time around and we start well.”