ABERYSTWYTH Town’s new manager Neville Powell believes that the Club has the potential to be pushing for a top six position next season.

Powell, who watched his squad lose their first friendly 4-3 against Welsh League side Llanelli last weekend, said that the Club has under-achieved in recent years.

He admitted that the squad needed more experience in certain areas, but said that the infrastructure and support is in place at Park Avenue to build for the future.

“We definitely should be challenging for the top six,” said Powell. “This is the big aim for every team in the League and we are no different.

“There are a lot of competitive teams in the Welsh Premier League these days, but if we are well organised and hard to beat, then we’ll be fine.

“The margins can be quite narrow, so being well organised, keeping things simple and having a good spirit is what I’ve done at other clubs.

“We’ll do that at Aber, and if we add the right players and get 110 per cent off everyone, we can be successful.”

He added: “It’s a good group of players, which is very attack minded. Hopefully with a few more additions we’ll do well.

"We’ll start defending from the front, everyone has a responsibility and we’ll work on that. We just need a bit more experience in the squad, and I’m sure we’ll be able to improve on last year’s finish.”

Powell, who revalidated his A Licence in May, previously led Bangor City to a Welsh Premier League title in 2010/11 and successive Welsh Cup Final wins in 2008, 2009 and 2010.

He also won the Welsh League Cup as manager of Connah’s Quay in 1996, and also has two Welsh Premier Manager of the Season awards, from 2010 and 2011.

Powell said that he is confident that Aberystwyth has the potential to achieve success - and its supporters can play a key role at Park Avenue.

“Coming here as the away team, both as a player and a manager, you always thought you that were going to get a tough game, and Park Avenue seemed a bit of a fortress, especially on Friday nights,” said Powell.

“We want to make this a fortress again, and if we start well, the crowds go up and become our 12th man.

“If we win our home games, we won’t be far away from the top six.

“We need to produce a team to attract the fans and I can’t wait to get started. The Club is thriving for success, and I’d love to bring that here.”

Powell’s second match in charge - and his first in the dug out - will see the Seasiders host Welsh League big hitters Haverfordwest County on Saturday, with a 2.30pm kick off.

The Bluebirds include former Seasiders Steff Williams, Greg Walters, Ricky Watts, Sam Rodon, Declan Carroll and their assistant manager Tim Hicks.

After finishing fourth in last year’s Welsh League Division One, they are looking to mount a title challenge this season with a strong squad.

Aberystwyth used 20 players last weekend, including four trialists and five Under 19s players, and with a further three weeks remain until the big kick off, Powell can be expected to run the rule over further personnel on Saturday.

Admission will cost £4 for adults and £2 for juniors. Early Bird season tickets and and season ticket renewals are available for £90.