Adie Britton sees no reason why Bath City cannot be in the shake-up for the Vanarama Conference South play-offs again ahead of the start of the new season this weekend.
City finished seventh last term, just two places and three points off a play-off spot, and Britton believes his side have made the necessary improvements to make the top five this time around.
"After our relegation from the Conference it's taken us 18 months or so to get the side moulded that we want, and in the best shape to recover and go again," said the director of football ahead of Saturday's long trip to Concord Rangers (3pm).
"We started to see that at the back end of last season where we did exceptionally well. I think we're in an even better position now.
"I'd like to think that improving on last season's finish is certainly achievable. If we can collect a few extra points then we should be very close to finishing in the play- offs, if not in them.
"Let's not kid ourselves and say we only want to finish in mid-table but then end up seventh. Let's set our sights a bit higher from the start."
After the 350-mile round trip to Canvey Island, Basingstoke Town will be the season's first visitors to Twerton Park on Tuesday (7.45pm).
Britton added: "It would be nice to get off to a good start because there have been lots of times when we've been a bit sluggish for the first couple of games.
"Things are always a bit hectic until about Bank Holiday Monday at the end of August and we don't want to be playing catch up after that.
"It would be nicer to have a game like Concord in October, as no doubt it will be a baking hot day and we'll be stuck in a coach for ages, but we've handled this sort of situation before and we will do again.
"Basingstoke are one of those sides that are always there or thereabouts in around tenth in the table. They've got a great work ethic and they're always a stiff test for us. It's a tough first week."
City are hoping to sign trialist Pat Keary on a permanent basis this week and want the 20-year-old defender to be the final name in their 16-man squad against Concord.
New signing Chas Hemmings is also set to feature despite the giant forward missing large chunks of pre-season through illness.
