Sydenham Park soccer club has no issues being the hunted in the upcoming state league 1 season.
The Reds were the hottest team in the league in the second half of last year, winning the final 10 matches to move from mid table to second.
After missing out on the title only on goal difference, Sydenham Park knows there will be no chance of going under the radar this season.
Coach Alan Muscat said his staff and players were looking forward to meeting the challenge head on.
“When you have finished in the top four in back-to-back seasons there’s always going to be that target on your back,” he said.
“That’s nothing new for us. We’ll just take it in our stride.
“We aren’t sure yet if there will be promotion to the NPL.
“I know a lot of clubs in our league have ambitions for that.
“Some clubs will recruit big to push for that, so we’ll see how we go.”
Following its outstanding 2015 season, Sydenham Park held on to all its leading players.
And although he was keeping the names under wraps, Muscat also confirmed the club was bringing in two attacking midfielders with NPL experience.
“Bringing in a few fresh faces is always good to bolster the squad and freshen up the place,” Muscat said.
“But I also believe in continuity and I’m really looking forward to this season.
“It’s very encouraging that the guys were keen to jump back on board.
“We were in a good spot last season and it was a little bittersweet to come so close to reaching our goal but just missing out.”
In other state league 1 soccer news, Paul Agathouli will coach defending champions Western Suburbs this season.
Agathouli replaces Terry Antoniadis, who stepped down as head coach in December.
Western Suburbs reserves will be coached by Emmanuel Munoz.
The state league 1 season begins in March.
