"This league is very tough but we honestly believe there is no point in trying this year if we aren't in it to win it," said Harrington, who has welcomed eight new players into his squad. "Last year we hugely underachieved and were lacklustre. This year we have to be able to go away to tough places like Bishops Cleeve and present a really strong performance.

"We were conscious last season that our away record wasn't good enough. The strong characters we have brought in are here to improve that."

Rovers narrowly missed out on the play-offs in 2009 but dropped to eleventh last season following the departure of long- serving manager Andrew Jones.

Harrington has worked hard in the close season to overhaul an atmosphere of complacency and replace it with a winning mentality.

His first steps were to take advantage of Almondsbury Town's demise to sign defenders, Scott Bryce and Marcus Mapstone, midfielder Nick Dunn and striker Adam Madhi.

Bryce and Mapstone are joined in defence by Raiff Gwinnett from Bideford, and have been brought in to add steel to the team.

In addition to Madhi, Harrington has also added more firepower up front in the shape of Tyler Sibbick from Larkhall Athletic and Jamie Taylor from Odd Down.

The manager hopes they can combine with last season's top scorer, Chris Lane, to form a potent attack.

"Chris did fantastically well for us, scoring eighteen goals, but we were worried that we were over-relying on him," explained Harrington.

The large squad is seen as a positive by the manager, who felt the team environment was too comfortable and complacent last season.

"We are building an enthusiastic, competitive environment," he said. "This time last year we probably knew our starting eleven, this year it is all up for grabs.

"The incoming players have energised the squad and added a new hunger. I have taken players from lower leagues and offered them an opportunity. It has given a lift to everyone as no player's position is secure.

"It's going to be tough to keep everyone happy, and some of the boys might have to go out on loan, but it is my job to make sure they feel like a valued member of the squad."