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A “new look” Risca United outfit are ready to prove the doubters wrong this season, as Cuckoos manager Nathan Bracegirdle gives his thoughts ahead of their first match.

The Ardal South East side finished third last season, but are a complete unknown now with most players leaving during the summer.

Former Risca youth team manager Bracegirdle took over from Simon Berry towards the end of last season, and has since installed his ethos of “if you’re old enough, you’re good enough”.

Speaking to Caerphilly Observer on the day of their league opener away to Treharris, he said: “We’re really excited to get underway.

“I thought it was important to let the players recharge when a lot of clubs – especially those with new managers – started preseason really early.”

Risca United played three preseason matches, one against Cymru South opposition in Llantwit Major. Bracegirdle said how impressive his side was in that match, despite it only being a friendly.

“The Llantwit coaching staff complimented us on our talent and that was game one. We have a complete new look team but I think they jelled from the first training session.”

Asked about this “new look team”, Bracegirdle said: “We’ve created something brand new. We have a couple of boys from last year, but most are in their early twenties with the expectation we’ll feature players from the youth.

“We’re fortunate in that despite losing our academy status we’ve still got academy-level players ready to step up.”

Given all that, Bracegirdle was asked what his expectations are heading into the season: “To be honest, I have no expectations.

“Lots of people have been saying we’re in for a battle and that we’re relegation fodder, but I think we’ll prove them wrong pretty quickly.

“I want our players to take the field with no pressure, play great football and see where it takes us. I’d say we are in a rebuild, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be pushing for promotion either.

“We’ve wiped the slate clean and are excited to start tonight with a tough away game against good opposition.”