MANAGER Jimmy Ball insists AFC Totton's only target this season is to win as many National League South games as possible.

The Stags are set to compete in England's sixth tier for the first time in their history after winning promotion via the play-offs last season.

With pre-season preparations set to get under way soon, Totton have added new names to their squad, while some promotion heroes have departed.

Ahead of a new challenge, Ball sat down with AFC Totton TV to discuss the upcoming season, his ambitions and their pre-season plans.

Asked if he has set a final league position goal ahead of the club's debut season in the National League South, Ball said: "Not really, no.

"I say the same every year, regardless of what league we are in, I'm just going to focus on winning games of football, and winning as many games as I can.

"I might pop my head up around February time to see where we are and see what is necessary for one thing or another.

"But I'm just going to focus on winning games of football and see where the end brings us out. You are always confident and full of belief.

"You always attack a season with the goal of winning it, and you're brave in what you put out there. So I'm just going to say we will try and win as many games as we can.

"I'm happy with the squad as it stands, with the signings I've made, and if I can get the last two or three over the line, then I will be really, really pleased.

Promotion hero Ethan Taylor has now departed AFC Totton.Promotion hero Ethan Taylor has now departed AFC Totton. (Image: Harvey Gerring / AFC Totton) "I'm sure the fans will be too. The fixtures will all be great tests. It's an extremely strong league when you look up and down it. I'm looking forward to seeing where we are at."

Totton were promoted after a 1-0 win over Gloucester City at Snows Stadium in early May, and have announced pre-season friendlies against fellow Hampshire sides

They have confirmed fixtures against Winchester City, Sholing, Aldershot and a Saints academy XI, among other friendlies.

Ball is excited for the new season and a new level of football, and insisted his players will be ready for the challenge when it comes.

"When the schedule comes out, we will see who we've got, but we'll face up to every challenge with no fear and see where it brings us out," he added.

"It will be different. We won't be there to be shot down or stopped, which I think we were most of last season by a lot of people.

"That will be slightly different. It might be a bit more open, I don't know. We will have to take everything as it comes.

"Players will have to listen and execute plans. Hopefully, we will have enough. I'm excited by how the squad is looking."