NEW Malvern Town manager Chris Palmer has set his side a “three to four-year” target for promotion as their league season kicks off tomorrow.

After a pre-season of off-field turmoil which saw manager Joe Rawle sacked, chairman Paul Pallett resign and a takeover collapse, Town get back to competitive action in the Aspire Midland Alliance.

Town hope to get off to a better start to this campaign after a sorry previous season which saw them relegated in bottom place from Southern League Division One Midlands.

Now Palmer, who has been forced to assemble a new-look squad, has revealed a three to four-year plan for promotion, with a top-half finish the objective this term.

Eight of last season’s squad have agreed to stay on, including defenders Nick Clayton and Craig Williams.

The realistic manager is aware he will be working on a tight budget as his new charges kick-off tomorrow at the Langland Stadium against Biddulph Victoria (ko 3pm).

This will be followed up by a tricky looking away match at Boldmere St Michaels (ko 7.30pm) on August 18.

Sandwiched between these league clashes is an FA Cup extra-preliminary date at Highgate United on August 15 (ko 3pm).

Palmer said: “The pre-season has been OK, the lads have worked hard. We are there or thereabouts from where I wanted us to be at this stage.

“The first goal for us is to stop the rot. I want us to get promoted sometime over the next four years with a younger squad.

“Anything we achieve this season will be a bonus. We’ve got to be realistic. If we finish in the top half I will be as happy as Larry.”

Speaking on Town’s opener with Biddulph, Palmer added: “The first game of any league season is always hard as every team wants to get off to a good start.”

Town’s AGM will take place at the Langland Stadium on Thursday, August 20. The meeting will start at 8pm.