NEW Harwich and Parkeston assistant boss Mike Wallace has issued a rallying cry for supporters and businesses to get behind the Shrimpers.

The club are preparing for life back at step six level after successfully applying to joint the new Thurlow Nunn League South division.

Wallace says he and manager Kieron Shelley - who were previously together at FC Clacton - are determined to produce a team that makes Harwich proud.

But with what he considers possibly the smallest playing budget in the division, he knows the significance of getting people onside.

“Kieron and I both feel we’ve landed on our feet because it’s a club with so much potential,” said Wallace.

“It’s so well run and everyone, from the chairman to the committee to those who run the youth section, couldn’t have been more welcoming.

“Our first impressions have been entirely positive.

“We’re excited and desperate to do well, but we also understand the importance of getting people behind us - either supporters through the turnstile or businesses taking advantage of sponsorship opportunities.

“We haven’t got a massive budget - in fact I’d guess it’s probably the lowest in the division - and that’s why we need the community to get behind us.

“Together, we hope to produce a team that makes the whole town proud.”

The Shrimpers have already strengthened their squad by recruiting well-known Harwich-based players Jordan and Ryan Heath, Shaun and Jake Kioussis and Nicky Palmer.

Others to have signed on the dotted line include Ben Hammond, Jamie Beecham and goalkeeper Sam Felgate.

And they made an early start to pre-season training, with preparations now in full flow ahead of the club’s opening friendly against Tiptree Park on July 4.

After that they have games in the diary against Stanway Pegasus on July 7, Needham Market on July 14, Witham Town on July 17, Brantham Athletic on July 19, ACR on July 21, West Bergholt on July 24, Leiston on July 28 and Dedham Old Boys on July 31.

“We thought we’d come back nice and early, as a way of getting everyone together,” added Wallace.

“It’s given everyone a chance to get to know each other, bed in and for the players to meet me and Kieron.

“It’s been about enjoyment so far but we had our first proper session last week and it went well.

“For me, fitness is the key to doing well in this league.

“If you want to achieve anything, the players have to be fit and if those levels are high, it gives you a head start on other teams.

“We’re really looking forward to it and there are going to be some real ding-dong battles.

“I think people are going to be impressed with the quality and see that there’s not much difference with step five.”

Anyone interested in finding out more about sponsorship opportunities at the club can ring Wallace on 07488 387688.