CHELMSFORD City skipper Mark Hughes believes that a club of its size should be aiming for the Conference South play-offs this season.
The Clarets endured a difficult time of it during the 2013-14 season, finishing 17th thanks to a rejuvenation under Mark Hawkes after he took over in November.
But now Hughes believes the disappointment of last year can help drive on the team for bigger and better things.
He said: "Everybody is aware how disappointed the fans and the players were last year. But we got our team right towards the end of the year and finished on a high.
"Before I came here Chelmsford were in the play-offs four out of five years and that is what is expected. That will be no different and the club this size should be in the play-offs.
"We just want to get set in August, have a good start and then you can set your targets. Everyone is really optimistic and it should be a good season."
The Clarets get underway this Saturday when they welcome Gosport Borough to Melbourne Stadium.
And with a couple of goals to his name in pre-season, Hughes is raring to go with the new term.
The 30-year-old said: "With the shape I'm in I am getting into the box a lot more and that could really help this year. We'll see how long it lasts and hope that I haven't used all my goals up.
"Last year was poor really, I only managed one but my target is to get more for the team this year. I just want to play every game and make sure I stay fit. I know that if I can do that then I am pretty confident that I'll have a good season. I want to chip in with more goals if I get the chance, captaining the side and leading by example.
"We got a lot out of pre-season, a lot of minutes and we haven't picked up many injuries. I can't wait for Saturday and it has come round quick.
"You get a bit sick of pre-season games because there isn't that competitive edge, which is what my game is all about and so I can't wait to get stuck in.
"Without saying too much about last year, we didn't get enough minutes during pre-season, which is probably why we started off slow. But there is no excuse this year."
