CHORLEY FC captain Andrew Teague insists the Magpies are focussed on proving they are one of the top clubs in the Vanarama Northern Conference by battling for promotion.

The defender has been one of the stalwarts for the Victory Park outfit helping them out of the Evo-Stik First Division North to their current heights in the Conference.

But now the 30-year-old is hungry for even more success with the Magpies.

He said: "I think we finished six points off where we were the previous season.

"When you look at it, we know we were disappointed not to get in the play-off but overall it was not a bad season.

"We won the Lancashire Cup and we also had a new management team.

"We have now got a few new players and some of them are from a higher level and that will only improve us.

"Last year was a learning curve for everyone and it will make us stronger.

Chorley boss Jansen has done some early business to boost his squad after bringing in defensive duo Adam Blakeman and Matt Challoner while striker Sefton Gonzalez.

But one of the major coups was snapping up Altrincham defender Scott Leather.

Teague said: "He has been called up by England C squad and that shows his quality.

"He was offered a deal by Altrincham but he is good friends with Dale (Whitham) and wanted to join us.

"It will be good for me to play alongside him but you still have to think that Kieran (Charnock) is there too.

"It means you have to play well or somebody will come to try to take the shirt off you."

The Conference is going to be a tough prospect for Jansen's side after Altrincham were relegated.

But ex-Macclesfield Town defender is excited about the prospects this season.

He said: “You have Stockport and Darlington and some other big teams so it is going to be tough.

“We have got the nucleus of the same team from last season and we cannot wait to get playing again.

“We are starting training on June 25 which is 10 days earlier than normal.

“We are expecting a few new players and there may be others trying to sign.

“We have had so many promotions and cups over the years and we want to do them again. The league is going to be tough but we are trying to keep improving every year.

So far the Magpies have four pre-season fixtures lined up with ties against Euxton Villa on July 5 and then they face Airbus UK Broughton on July 16.

There will be a bit of friendly rivalry when ex-Magpie Tom Baker will face some of his former team-mates on July 23 and then travel to Bamber Bridge on July 30.

Teague is full of praise for manager Jansen and hopes the club can impress this season.

“When he was assistant manager, he was always helping and he is great to speak to and will get us sharp for the new season.”