BRIAN Hughes says that Cirencester Town will have nothing to fear as they make their return to Southern League Premier Division.

The Centurions won the Division One South and West title on the final day of the campaign. And the Corinium Stadium manager has brought in several new faces for life at the higher level. Former Bath City stalwart Gethin Jones has joined for the new term after spending last season at Welsh Premier League outfit Port Talbot Town.

Midfielder Jamie Reid has returned to the Corinium after a spell at Mangotsfield United, while youngster Ed Williams joins after being released by Cheltenham Town last term.

Hughes has also signed former Cardiff City trainee Nat Jarvis on dual registration with Conference North side side Gloucester City. However, Ciren have lost Lee Smith, Ellis Dunton and Joe Shepard over the summer, while veteran striker Jody Bevan has hung up his boots and joined the coaching set-up at the club.

Yet despite the exits, Hughes is looking forward to getting going at Paulton Rovers tomorrow.

“We are not frightened off playing at this level, a lot of us have been here before,” Hughes said. “There are of course going to be some tough games, but we are confident that we can hold our own.

“We are ready, we know what this level is about, last year we beat Banbury in the FA Cup and then took Weymouth pretty close.”

After tomorrow’s trip to Paulton, the Centurions entertain Bideford on the Tuesday night before welcoming Corby Town to the Corinium the following weekend.