Carshalton Athletic boss Stuart Massey cannot wait for the new season to begin, now the “necessary evil” of pre-season is over.

The Robins ended their warm up to the new season with a 2-2 draw at Egham on Saturday, and now Massey is looking forward to the real business of beginning an assault on the Ryman Division One South.

And the Robins go into Saturday’s curtain-raiser against Herne Bay at Colston Avenue in good form having remained unbeaten in all four friendly games.

Massey said: “We need to put last year behind us and I’m confident we’re building a squad which will be able to compete at this level.

“Some newcomers still need to agree terms but I have no real worries in that regard. We have also signed up those we wanted to keep from last season.”

Those wanting to stay include last season’s top goalscorer Tommy Bradford.

Massey added: “I am also looking at adding a couple of more experienced heads in key positions, but it’s a case of watch this space for now.”

Massey is not a fan of the pre-season timetable, but he has taken positives away from the Robins’ performances, especially in holding Ryman Premier new boys Leatherhead to a 1-1 draw last month.

He said: “Pre-season is a necessary evil in my eyes, but I’m very looking forward to getting our season started.

“I wasn’t sure what to expect with a lot of new faces in the squad but we more than held our own against Leatherhead.

“It was nice to walk off the pitch knowing the lads did themselves justice.”