AFTER the promotion fiasco of last season, Maldon Town have announced they will be gunning for a place in the Ryman League premier division this time around.

Russell Tanner is the new man in the manager's seat, having taken over from Colin Wallington, who is now in charge at Tiptree United.

And Tanner told the Gazette he would not have taken the job unless the club assured him they would be applying for promotion.

Maldon finished fourth in Ryman League division one north last season, but were unable to take part in the play-offs because they chose not to apply for promotion by the deadline in December.

But Tanner has been promised by the club that promotion is the target this season.

He said: "I would not have taken the job if it was not the case.

"I have guarantees from the chairman (Mike Kirkham) and director of football (Brian Honeywood) that promotion is our number one goal.

"Tanner, who was Wallington's assistant last season, has been busy assembling his staff, both on the pitch and off it."

He has named Dean Parratt as his assistant, with Ollie Berquez coming in from Woking as player-coach, while Ross Parmenter has been brought in from Harlow Town.

"The majority of the players from last season have agreed terms. We are close to another couple of signings and there are a few triallists coming over as well."However, Tanner conceded that Sheridan Driver is unlikely to be with Maldon Town this season. Driver, influential whether he plays in midfield or defence, is attending pre-season training at Dagenham and Redbridge.

"He has been asked to go there for a while and good luck to him," said Tanner.

"He will keep me informed on how he is getting along over there and it would be great to see him go on in his career."

Tanner has plenty to live up to this season after the success enjoyed by Wallington.

But he is up for the challenge and has taken on board all he has learned from the genial Wallington.

He said: "Colin is a hard act to follow and if we get half the success he enjoyed during his six years we will be happy. We have a fantastic set-up now and it's a great opportunity for Dean and myself."