Speaking to the Guardian ahead of the final training session of the pre-season, Rinkcavage said he fancied his team to improve on the start they made last year.

He said: "We're hoping that we can get off to a much better start than last season when we won one in 11."

"We're a much more experienced side this season, we're more together and I have a really hard working bunch of players."

"There are goalscorers throughout the team and we're a big strong side."

Worksop have not been widely tipped for success this season by other managers in the UniBond Premier, but Rinkcavage is glad his side are regarded as underdogs.

He said: "We've quietly gone about our business this summer and I think we'll be a side who can make progress without anyone taking much notice."

"We took a lot of scalps last season – big scalps – and I think we'll be taking more this season."

Tigers face Marine in the UniBond Premier Division season opener tomorrow and Rinkcavage is under no illusions – his Tigers will face a stiff test.

He told the Guardian: "They're a big strong side as usual and they'll try to play football."

"It's going to be a really tough game."

"They didn't miss the play-offs by much last season and the year before they got to the play-off final, but our players are fit and raring to go."

The Tigers boss doesn't expect to see any teams staking their claim for the title until the league settles down in six weeks or so.

He said: "Every manager sets out thinking he has a top-half team and the first six to eight games are cup finals, so you don't have a mental advantage or disadvantage."

"Everyone fancies their chances but they're not all going to do well."

"Once the first two months are over then you'll see teams struggling and the league will take shape, a pattern will emerge."

"We've got a tough six games to open but we're looking for a solid start and then we'll look to build some momentum."