A "SEASON of progression" is the target for Barnoldswick Town, according to manager Steve Pickup.

The Barlick boss has been at the club since March, having enjoyed a successful spell at Northwich Victoria.

And his first weeks at Town resulted in Macron Cup glory following a 3-0 victory over Chadderton in May.

However, when it came to the league, the North West Counties Premier Division side finished in a disappointing 17th place.

Pickup is determined to improve on that finish and has set his sights on a playoff finish this time out.

"You always start the campaign wanting to win the league, but a realistic target is the playoffs," he told the Craven Herald.

"We have had to restructure and press the reset button a little bit from a financial perspective as opposed to last season. The fans need to know that.

"It takes us a little step backwards a touch so maybe having a season of progression and a decent cup run.

"If we did get in the playoffs, I would be very happy."

Town are already three friendlies into their preparations for the new campaign.

Pickup is excited at what he is seeing and looks forward to get underway properly.

He added: "We have had 10 training sessions and three pre-season friendlies left.

"We have got four of each left before we start the league campaign.

"It has been very good the lads are looking fit, everyone is buying into the philosophy and regime that we want."

He is also targetting some more signings, adding: "We have retained everyone bar one and brought five in.

"If I am honest, I would probably like to sign another couple, just to strength the squad with their being 46 league games and three cup competition, it is minimum 50 games.

"There is still a good few weeks until the season starts and then players become available towards the end of August.

"I am 95 per cent happy with what I have got now."

This past week, Barnoldswick were also informed who they would start their Emirates FA Cup campaign against.

Pickup's men are set to host Brighouse Town in the extra preliminary round on Saturday, August 3.

On the draw, he said: "You can make some decent money with good cup competition runs.

"At this level, it always helps in terms of finances to bring better players in.

"Brighouse will be a tough game. We are at home which is good.

"We will have a few players missing at the start of the season because we have a few teachers who play for us and their holidays are quite regimental in terms of when they can take them. It will give other people a chance."