THE football season is finally upon us and Malvern Town kick-off their Hellenic League Premier campaign at home on Tuesday evening, with Westfields the visitors on opening night.

After a third place finish in what was their first year back at Step 5 last season, promotion-chasing Malvern will be hoping of going one better this time around and finishing in the top two.

Lee Hooper’s men showed throughout the last campaign that they are capable of doing just that, had it not been for a Christmas dip in form.

They conceded 59 goals across the season, one of the highest in the top 10 of the league, and that played a large part in any promotion chances being squashed and that will have been a big concern for Hooper and assistant manager Stephen Cleal.

Their defence will look largely similar to what they had last campaign when they line-up on Tuesday but one of their new recruits, attacking midfielder Lewis Spurrier, will add to an already deadly attack.

Malvern scored 98 goals last year, bettered only by league winners Bishops Cleeve, and having signed last weekend, Spurrier wasted no time in outlining the club's ambitions ahead of tomorrow's opener. 

"The way in which the club operates both on and off-the-pitch really attracted me," he said.

"In many ways it made my decision for me. I haven’t been here long but already it is clear to see what a class set-up this is from top to bottom.

"It’s a club that is ready to progress and has ambition. When deciding my next move, this was one of the factors that was extremely important to me.

"It had to be the right fit and coming here ticked a lot of boxes for me. The coaches, the team, the desire and aspirations of the club all seemed right and now I am looking forward to what the season ahead holds in store.

"The aim from a team perspective has to be promotion. I am a winner and want to win every time I step onto the pitch.

"I will also be looking to add goals, assists and a consistent level of performance."

Kick-off tonight at the HDAnywhere Community Stadium is at 7.45pm, with tickets available on the gate.