Boosted by the decision of Neil Cogger to sign this week, Tracey said: "I can't wait. Pre-season is just not the same. It's been a long break, but it's all been building up to this Saturday and the start of the big, new adventure."

In the 12 weeks since manager Nicky Smith and Tracey were appointed they have had the task of building virtually a new team, something not helped when the FA switched AFC from the Ryman to the Southern League without warning.

"We are starting from scratch everywhere," said Tracey. "It's been a long, hard slog through the pre-season."

Cogger, a regular scorer during his time at Haverhill Rovers, signed for AFC after training on Tuesday night, having been working out at King's Marsh for several weeks.

Cogger played in the 3-3 home draw against Enfield Town on Saturday, a game AFC were winning 3-1 until their opponents, one of the favourites for Ryman League north honours this season, grabbed two very late goals.

"With Neil playing on Saturday we were able to play 4-4-2," said Tracey, "and for the first half-hour we were excellent. We carried on the improvement from the Ipswich game.

"They gradually came more into the game and we gave a silly penalty away. We went 3-1 up and then poor defending cost us, but fortunately it didn't cost us any points."

The season starts at Malvern Town (3pm), AFC's longest away trip, which sees the team coach leaving King's Marsh at 9am.

Defender Sam Clarke misses the trip, serving a two-match ban for picking up two yellow cards playing for Great Wakering Rovers against Maldon last season.

But AFC may have another new signing on board. Smith and Tracey have been in constant contact during the manager's holiday – he is back today – and the club is involved in negotiations.

Tracey said the aim this season is "to play attractive football and get results. Nicky and I are both winners, and the club is used to winning. We aim to keep that going."

But he appealed to the fans to give that aim a boost, by getting behind the team on Tuesday when Aylesbury United are the visitors to King's Marsh (7.45pm).

"We have to make it fortress King's Marsh," he said. "We must take advantage of playing at home and make sure not many teams will want to come here, especially on a Tuesday night."

l Week 15 winners of the AFC Gold fundraiser: £100 – P McLoughlin (344), Clifton Road, Maidstone; £10 – P Robinson (164), North Rise, Gt Cornard; £10 – R Greaves (416), Coach Road, Gt Horkesley.