RAMSBOTTOM United are ready to make a push for glory this season – though co-manager Anthony Johnson admits they are the ‘scalp’ that everybody will want to take.

The Rams, who finished second in the North West Counties Premier Division last season, are still managed by the impressive duo of Johnson and Bernard Morley – and the management team have retained all of last year’s squad.

They have added extra strength in depth with former Bury man Lee Pugh, who played for Bacup Borough last season, one of those to sign on.

Former Huddersfield goalgetter Shane Birtles is another addition to the Rams squad, along with former Bolton Wanderers youngster Grant Spencer, Louis Edwards (Atherton LR), Lee Bruce (AFC Bury) and goalkeeper Elliot Threlkeld (Old Standians).

“Two or three of those new signings are more for the future,” said Johnson. “But we’re hoping that the others will make a big impact for us this season.

“They may be teenagers, but they’ve got good experience at semi-professional level and have a lot of quality.”

Ramsbottom finished second last season, behind eventual champions New Mills, giving them the perhaps unwanted tag of pre-season favourites.

“I don’t know if that’s the case,” said Johnson. “People assume we will be favourites because we finished second last season, but they don’t know the movements in and out of the club this summer.

“It’s fair to say there is a bit of pressure on us to achieve. In our last two seasons, we’ve come fourth and second, so the natural progression would be to finish top.

“Without sounding arrogant, we know we’re a scalp for most other sides in our league, but we will have to handle that.

“We’ve got a lot of confidence, and that’s a good thing.”