Ryan Qualter excited by Matlock Town's prospects... but knows it will be a tough campaign

"I think it's going to be a very competitive league, you can probably name any team from 13 that could maybe get promoted," said the summer signing.

"Our rivals Buxton down the road have signed some really good players, but so have we."

The centre back has been in contact with former Boston United teammate Ben Middleton this summer as he made the switch to Grantham Town, as well as last season's defensive partner Shane Killock at Alfreton Town, who has joined another former Pilgrim pal Stephen Brogan at Buxton.

And the old friends and current rivals all concede it will be a hard campaign.

"I spoke to a few of them over the course, as you do," Qualter continued.

"It's always good to keep in touch, Mids has signed for Grantham and Shane has gone to Buxton.

"They both know they've got good squads and that'll make it a tough league."

Town will kick off their campaign at OJM Black Country Rangers in the FA Cup’s preliminary round on Saturday, September 12, followed by their first league contest of the campaign away at Bamber Bridge seven days later.

Home contests against NPL rivals Stafford Rangers (September 26) and Basford United (September 29) will follow.

"We're excited. It seems like the longest pre-season ever but we feel we've prepared right," added Qualter. "When the FA Cup game comes we feel we'll be ready."

Qualter knows what it takes to win promotions following success at Shaw Lane, where he played alongside fellow Gladiators Spencer Harris and Jon Stewart.

While happy to be reunited with his old pals, Qualter says that Town's enthusiasm convinced him to make the move to this summer.

"Matlock had been on to me and said they were interested," he said.

"After speaking to the manager and assistant I could feel they were excited about a new project and a new start. The ambition of the club was to be reaching for promotion, that really excited me."