HEYBRIDGE Swifts boss Cliff Akurang has promised his side will “go out all guns blazing” when the season starts on Saturday.

The Ryman Division North side kick off with a home fixture at Scraley Road when Thamesmead come to town.

And despite some disappointing results in pre-season, Akurang is pleased with his side’s preparation for the new season.

He said: “Pre-season has been challenging but I’m really happy with our overall preparation.

“Saturday we’re expecting a really tough game against Thamesmead Town.

“We lost at their place last season and we know what they’re like as a team.

“They’ve also spent a fair bit and made some big signings, they’re looking to push on as a team just like us.

“So it’s definitely going to be a big challenge for us to get in to straight away but we will go out all guns blazing.”

Akurang is also confident in his new signings and anticipates even more transfer movement.

He added: “We’re still expecting two or three new faces to come in this week.

“We’ve tied down Joshua Fagbohun and Liam Thomas, which is great.

“Josh is a young centre forward, very bright, and I’ve played with him myself so I know first hand his ability.

“Liam, on the other hand, is a big no-nonsense centre half.

“He’s certainly a character for the dressing room and both are great additions to our squad.”

Swifts’ final pre-season game before the start of the new season saw them defeated 4-1 by visiting Leiston at the weekend.

Billy Hunt was on target to hit Swifts’ solitary goal.

Akurang said: “Saturday was again about finalising our preparations for the season.

“The first half it was disappointing to concede from a corner.

“But the general organisation was pleasing from the lads.

“It’s not the ideal scoreline but it’s about the preparation for the season and I saw the positives.”