Last season: 9th
Manager: Alan Devonshire
Key man: Dan Holman
The Iron made sure that second-season syndrome was not an issue as they improved on their previous 12th-place finish by ending within a whisker of being the top part-time side in the country.
Manager Alan Devonshire has managed to keep the bulk of his squad together and made a few new additions, but again the main aim is to get 50 points and secure a fourth term in the top flight of non-league football.
CHELMSFORD CITY Division: Conference SouthLast season: 5th (lost in play-off semi-final)
Manager: Dean Holdsworth
Key man: Jeff Goulding
A fourth play-off defeat in five years saw the Clarets part with manager Glenn Pennyfather, and his replacement is former Premier League striker Dean Holdsworth.
Holdsworth has brought in a number of players with Football League experience, and although he is playing down hopes of promotion, his side – on a small budget – certainly look to have the quality in it to be in and around the top five.BURNHAM RAMBLERS Division: Ryman League Division One North.
Last season: 1st, Essex Senior League (promoted)
Manager: Keith Wilson
Key man: Bradley Hunter
The Ramblers are probably the team with the most to look forward to as they ready themselves for their maiden season in the Ryman League.
They can use Witham's experience from last season as an inspiration, and they will hope to be pushing for mid-table at the very least.HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS Division: Ryman League Division One North
Last season: 6th
Manager: Mark Hawkes
Key man: Luke Callander
The Swifts looked certain to claim a play-off place last season, but in the end were helpless as teams below them with games in hand reeled them in.
Mark Hawkes has made some good additions this summer, but most crucially has kept hold of top-scorer Luke Callander, and that is why the Swifts are among the favourites for the title.
MALDON & TIPTREE Division: Ryman League Division One NorthLast season: 2nd (lost in play-off final)
Manager: Terry Spillane
Key man: Richard Wray
Last season was a tough one to swallow as after being 15 points clear, they could only watch as Grays went on an unbelievable run to win the title – and then a penalty shoot-out defeat in the play-off final rubbed salt in the wounds.
But Terry Spillane has made some fine additions – such as keeper Richard Wray – and Maldon will be ready to go again.
WITHAM TOWN Division: Ryman League Division One NorthLast season: 4th (lost in play-off semi-final)
Manager: Garry Kimble
Key man: Rob Whitnell
Witham had a fantastic campaign last season – their first back in the Ryman League – and will want to carry that momentum into this season.
With a string of excellent new acquisitions – including the highly-rated winger Tom Wraight – and most of last season's squad staying, Witham could end up surprising a few people once again.
