Chichester City are confident they can mount a push for promotion under new boss Liam Greenfield.

Greenfield has taken over from Caroline Henry-Evans and Matt Wright at Oaklands Park to guide a revamped squad into the FA Women’s Premier League south west division one campaign.

The team which finished a disappointing seventh last season has been bolstered by four summer signings while influential club captain Jade Widdowson is close to a return after knee surgery which had sidelined her since September.

Henry-Evans, who is now club secretary, said: “Last year we lost an awful lot of players and it was difficult for us. We had beaten Brighton in the Sussex Cup final the previous year and finished second in the league but that meant the bigger clubs came in to take our better players.

“It was a real transitional year but a number of players came through the development squad and will be better for the experience. Our aim is to be finish in the top two this year and I’m confident we can achieve that.”

Former Albion defender Tanny Waine will add experience to a young squad after joining in the summer while centre-back Bobby Lynch has arrived from Solent Ladies and ex-Worthing Town striker Jade Widdows has returned to Sussex following three years in America.

Teenage midfield prospect Shannon Albuery is also expected to make her debut in the opening game against Shanklin at home on Sunday (2pm) after joining from Hampshire Centre of Excellence.