CLIFF Akurang says he wants to make history all over again with Heybridge Swifts.

Akurang is gearing up for his first full season in charge at the Texo Stadium, Scraley Road.

Swifts are preparing for another Ryman League division one north campaign, with Akurang having lifted them to a 12th-place finish last season.

Back in 2006, his goals helped the club achieve their highest-ever league finish as they finished Ryman Premier runners-up.

And after swapping the pitch for the dugout, the former striker is keen to help Swifts achieve big things once again.

Akurang said: “My heart and soul is with this club; I was here as a player and now as a manager I’m hoping to make history again.

“I only want good memories from the time that I’m here and at the moment, the things they’ve done are promising.

“We did what we had to do last season and this season, we’re looking to push on.

“We don’t want to be one of those clubs who are just happy to be where we are.

“We won’t get carried away or dream too big but we want to go into the new season and try and do better than last season.”

Swifts’ pitch was in immaculate condition for their pre-season friendly against League One side Colchester United, last Saturday.

The U’s ran out comfortable 8-0 winners, with the club’s family fun day helping to swell the official attendance to more than 500.

Akurang added: “It was a fantastic day with all of the things that went on and kids enjoying themselves.

“It was a shame about the result but that will improve by the time the season starts, that’s for sure.

“Rob (Bowyer) and his maintenance team have done an absolutely fantastic job with the pitch.

“It’s a massive team effort from everyone to be able to push this club in a different direction to everyone else in our league.

“Our ground is one thing that helps us stand out from a lot of other teams and is a massive selling point.

“If everything is approached to the same exact detail as Rob Bowyer and his team put in, the club is definitely going places.”

Heybridge drew 2-2 against Ryman Premier side Grays Athletic in their latest pre-season friendly, on Tuesday night.

Swifts host a Braintree Town XI in another friendly next Monday (7.45pm kick-off).