It's time to get going - Drax

It seems like only yesterday that Maidenhead United fans were celebrating a remarkable survival in Blue Square South after going on a make or break winning streak of games at the end of the season. Yet this weekend it begins all over again, this time though, the Magpies hope to be competing for honours not safety.

Manager Johnson ‘Drax’ Hippolyte has overseen the reshuffle of players at York Road during the close season and guided the side through an up and down pre-season campaign. He is certain that the Magpies will not suffer the same problems as last term and instead is aiming his sights high - qualifying for the play-offs and a possible promotion.

“I want to be in the top half of the table come the end of the season. In a perfect world I want to be in the play-offs,” stated Drax. “But that depends on whether we can replace Manny Williams’ goals from last season. He scored 26 league goals for us and we either need someone to step up or share the goals around the team.

“If we can finish higher up than last year and in the play-offs then I’ll be happy.”

Drax has been busy in the transfer market this summer, but replacing Williams has proven his toughest challenge. However, the Magpies supremo thinks he has found the ideal man in forward Mustafa Tiryaki.

Drax revealed: “I’m bringing in a big, strong 6ft2ins striker, Mustafa Tiryaki. I’ve spoken to one or two strikers recently but I don’t have time to wait for a response, but hopefully Mustafa could be the one.”

Maidenhead have not enjoyed a good pre-season for a number of years and this time around they have struggled again against their friendly opponents. But former Yeading man Drax remains unworried by a lack of victories in their preparations.

“We all want to have a good pre-season and we want to win more games than we lose, but for me it’s not about that,” he said. “Pre-season is about getting players fit and looking at players and testing out trialists. So it’s been a good pre-season and I’m very positive ahead of the new season.

“At the moment I’m feeling good. Our last friendly yesterday (Tuesday) was pleasing, we beat Bracknell 4-0.

“I took 9-10 players who have been on the bench or not had much game time and gave them a proper run-out. The average age of the players was 20. It bodes very well for the future.”

A tough away trip to Bromley faces United on the opening day of the season on Saturday, followed by daunting clashes with Bath City and Braintree Town at home.

“We’ve got a very hard start, our first three opponents all finished around the top half of the table last year,” reflected Drax. “Hopefully, we can pick where we left off and get a run of wins straight away.

“Apart from Tyrone Sears, who dislocated his shoulder, we are at full strength, although it may be week too soon for Smith and Surey. All the rest are fit and raring to go.”

Among his pool of players, the Magpies boss has highlighted Dale Binns as the man who could be the lynchpin in his side’s 2008-09 campaign. Drax said: “The one who will shine this season will probably be fan’s favourite Dale Binns. Some people think he is the best left winger in the league. He’s definitely one to look out for.

“New boy Ben Surey is one of those where you know what you’re going to get. Also Ashley Nicols is a good pro, while big Richard Pacquette will get involved too.”

Finally, it is no secret that Blue Square South is one tough league with a number of big spending teams plotting a course to the Conference Premier. Drax, 44, has picked out Havant & Waterlooville as potential champions.

“Havant & Waterlooville have been touted as favourites and rightly so,” he cautioned. “They have a big budget, but money doesn’t always buy you success.”