Retford United manager Mark Shaw has issued a warning to his Northern Counties East League Premier Division opponents: "We'll take you all by surprise."

Shaw believes the ambitious club will build on their ascension from Division One by achieving back-to-back promotions and continuing their climb up the football pyramid.

The Cannon Park boss said: "I think we have got a very good chance of winning the league this season without much problem."

"We have got strength in depth. We have got players who have grown up a year. Having won something last year, that winning feeling is in our blood and we are hungry for it week in, week out."

"The players have come back and they're fit and they've got a positive attitude."

"We see ourselves as contenders. Those clubs who have written us off might be in for a shock."

But there are still areas Shaw would like to improve in his squad.

"I'd like us to be more physical," Shaw added. "The players have got a great attitude but one of the differences when you step up a level is in the physicality."