In an article from our Kick-Off pullout, we look ahead to the new Bostik Premier season for Haringey Borough

Tom Loizou is excited to see how Haringey Borough adapt to life in the Bostik Premier after keeping faith with the majority of his old squad.

The long-serving boss has led the club to its highest position in the non-league pyramid, but doesn’t want this to be the end of the journey.

Although Borough will be without Ralston Gabriel and Anthony McDonald this term, they have plenty of strength in depth and some promising new additions.

Loizou said: “It is mainly the old squad, but there are a few injury problems from last season which we are trying to clear up.

“We’re trying to get the ingredients right with the new lads as well so this is the difficult part. It has come around very, very quickly, but we have to get on with it and we will.”

The Borough manager has been flooded with approaches from players looking to join the Coles Park club.

While a number of them were turned down, Loizou has managed to bring in several potentially fine signings.

Femi Akinwande, formerly of Colchester United, has put pen to paper as has Joel Nouble, who started at Dagenham & Redbridge.

Loizou is optimistic the duo will help fill the void left by Gabriel and McDonald’s exits and added: “Femi Akinwande has taken Ralston’s place.

“He has been at Colchester and Joel has joined. Joel’s brother used to play for West Ham United, but Joel has good experience at this level.

“They are both young and I’ve just signed a youngster from Leyton Orient called Charley Barker for the middle of the park.

“We have also got another from Colchester, so I am really looking forward to the season, but I am just hoping our injuries clear up.

“Normally we get them six weeks into the season and that is what cost us automatic promotion last time out.”

Haringey made it out of Bostik North via the play-offs and will hope to start strongly in Saturday’s opener at Coles Park but can expect a tricky first game with Bognor Regis Town. With plenty of firepower, they will look to surprise plenty this season.