CAMELFORD manager Reg Hambly sees no reason why his side can’t finish in the top six if he can keep his squad fit in the inaugural Kit Kitchen South West Peninsula League Premier Division West.

The Camels have had a busy pre-season, beating Penryn Athletic (2-1), Holsworthy (3-2) and Bude Town (4-1) as well as losing at home to Brixham (5-2) and Millbrook (2-1), and start their competitive season on Tuesday night when they welcome Godolphin Atlantic to Trefrew Park (7.30pm).

During that time Hambly has used well over 20 players including a plethora of new signings.

Among those are midfielders Matt Andrew and Bobby Hopkinson and striker Jack Lawrence, while Luke Haworth and Will Cherrill have recovered from long-term injuries.

Jake Williams and James Richardson have also joined from Boscastle and Bude Town respectively.

Hambly, who is about to embark on a 29th season in charge, has been delighted with how his side are shaping up.

He said: “I’ve been really pleased with the way we’ve been going and we’ve played some promising football so far. But we also need to get ourselves a settled side and be defensively stronger as a team.

“We’ve got a squad at the moment of 22 so there’s been a lot of changes and chances given to players to impress. That’s why we arranged an extra game this week against St Stephen to settle things down a bit.”

Last year the Camels, who only run one team, struggled with injuries and availability, so Hambly is pleased to have so many options at his disposal.

“With the signings we’ve made we’ve got a much stronger squad this year. But it’s nice to have a selection headache for once and have a good bench to be able to change the game. With two games a week we’ll need everyone to play their part.

“Last year we used 38 players so we need all of them. It’s just a shame we don’t have a second team to give everyone a game every week.”

Although Hambly is confident they can make a major impact, he’s making sure that they focus on the opening fixtures.

He said: “Our first target is to get off to a good start as we have lots of difficult games in August. We’ve got enough ability to finish in the top six but the beginning of the season is crucial with the likes of Mousehole and Porthleven away and home games against Godolphin and Bodmin.

“We just need to make sure we get into the groove quickly, but we’re more than capable of doing that, especially if Matt Andrew and Bobby Hopkinson can stay fit.”

The Camels are also in the FA Vase, RGB Cornwall Senior Cup, Walter C Parson Funeral Directors League Cup and the Cornwall Charity Cup, meaning they have 38 league games as well as a minimum of four cup fixtures.

Hambly said: “We’ve got quite a few extra games but hopefully we can put together a good run in one or two of the cups.”

Newquay-based Godolphin are the visitors on Tuesday night and Hambly is full of respect for the ‘G Army’.

He said: “We’re really looking forward to the first game against Godolphin. They’re always a tough side to play but we’re excited to be at home. The pitch is looking fantastic so hopefully we can start in a positive manner.

“We’re looking strong when we’ve got everyone available, so if everybody can stay fit then we should be in for a good season.”