Michael Smith eyes strong start as FC St Helens challenge outlined

FC St Helens are looking to improve on the performance from their first season in the Premier Division.

FC St Helens manager Michael Smith believes the North West Counties Premier Division will be wide open this season but admits that he will be disappointed if they don’t improve on last season.

The Stripes faced pressure last season after Smith guided them to the highest division in the club’s 10-year history following their promotion from Division One North.

With the fixtures for the first month now confirmed, FC now know what challenge lies ahead as they travel to Longridge Town for their season opener before Isle of Man visit Windleshaw Park.

Smith is hoping for an improvement on last season, where they finished eighth, despite being somewhat of a surprise package after coming within three places of the playoffs in their first campaign at step five.