New Selby Town manager Mick Gray is hoping his side can achieve a top-eight finish in the Northern Counties East League premier division next season.

Gray and his assistant, John Steeples, are settling in as the new management team at Flaxley Road, after Bob Lyon and Gary Cygan stepped down last season.

After a difficult second half to the last campaign, with financial problems off the pitch ultimately affecting the team’s form on it, Selby finished a disappointing 13th in the table, their lowest position for seven years.

Over the summer, there have been numerous changes. Gray has joined after six years as a coach with divisional rivals Armthorpe Welfare, and feels it is time for him to put his knowledge of the Northern Counties East League premier division to use.

Only nine of last season’s squad have remained with the club, and a clutch of players have followed Gray from Armthorpe, including winger Paul Ashton and Liam Davis, a utility player who can play at full-back or midfield. With the club short on money, Gray said a good atmosphere in training was essential to keeping the players happy.

Gray said: “At this level, players will chase a fiver, never mind a tenner. We want to create an enjoyable environment, but we want success too.” He is used to developing young talent in his role as a coach at Grimsby Town School of Excellence, where he has been for over a decade.

He said: “If we can get a few young players coming through, then that bodes well for Selby’s future.” When asked about whether promotion was an aim for this season, Gray said: “I’m not going to say that.

“It’s a tough league, and we’re aiming for the top eight. If we are about there by Christmas, then you never know. “Hopefully, we’ll get a good run in the FA Vase, and we’ll just see what happens in the FA Cup.” Referring to the team’s style of play, Gray said: “I see Bridlington as the benchmark we should be aiming for. They are a good team who play football the way it should be played.”

In the long term, Gray believes the success of the club depends on whether their financial situation improves. “Ralph Pearse (chairman) and Tommy Arkley (secretary) are working hard,” he said.

“We need to stabilise the club, try to get the debts paid, and then we can move from there.” The Robins are taking it step by step – as they try to bring in sponsorship money, the small things, such as the newly-painted and carpeted clubhouse, are being looked after.

For now though, the focus is on the season ahead, and preparation is well underway.

The club started pre-season training well ahead of most of their rivals, and Gray said: “Turnout has been good. I’ve been impressed with the attitude of the lads. They’ve never complained and they’ve got smiles on their faces.” The club’s planned pre-season trip to London was cancelled after they failed to secure the two matches required to make it worthwhile. A game against Great Wakering had been lined up, but not a second match, so Selby are staying at home for a game against a Grimsby XI – a team Gray said included a few players he was “interested in having a look at”.

Selby’s pre-season friendlies: Saturday, July 10: Grimsby Town Youth (home, 3pm); Wednesday, July 14: Grimsby Borough (home, 7.30pm); Monday, July 19: Grimsby XI (home, 7.30pm); Thursday, July 22: Askern Villa (home, 7.30pm); Saturday, July 24: Goole (home, 3pm).