STABILITY will be the key to success for new North Leigh manager John Brough this season as his side open their Evo-Stik Southern League Division 1 South & West campaign away to Bridgwater Town on Saturday, writes Matthew Bruce.

After taking over as Millers boss from the long-serving Mark Gee this summer, having won the league in charge of Cinderford Town the previous season, the new manager could have made sweeping changes in search of success.

However, the former Hereford United and Cheltenham Town defender maintains his belief that the squad he inherited is good enough to compete at the top of the division.

“I said from day one that the reason I came to North Leigh was because of the squad they had in place,” he said.

“They already had some very good players, so my job is just to mould them into a functioning team.

“It’s still early days with regard to them taking on board what I require from them this season, but they’ve made a good start.”

He will be aiming to halt a trend that has seen the Millers start the season well only to fall away with the play-offs in view.

New arrivals have been thin on the ground, with striker Eric Odhiambo’s arrival from Kidlington the most notable piece of business.

Odhiambo has been quick to hit his stride, netting both goals in North Leigh’s 2-1 victory at home to Division 1 Central side Barton Rovers in their final pre-season friendly on Saturday.

Brough has also added former Torquay United and Swindon Town goalkeeper Conor Thompson and 19-year-old right-back Richard Platt, from Banbury.

Forward Lee Smith had been expected to follow Brough from Cinderford Town in a player/coach role. But he has instead signed for Premier Division club Cirencester Town.

Wayne Turk and Jamie Cook have been handed coaching responsibilities instead.

Among the notable names leaving the club are defender Sam Elkins, who has returned to Didcot Town, Zak Westlake (Swindon Supermarine) and Jon Else (Cirencester Town).

IN: Conor Thompson (Evesham Utd), Richard Platt (Banbury Utd), Eric Odhiambo (Kidlington).

OUT: Zak Westlake (Swindon Supermarine), Steve Davies (Shortwood Utd), Sam Elkins (Didcot Tn), Jon Else (Cirencester Tn), Ben Brown.