Sporting Bengal United manager Imrul Gazi is expecting a ‘challenging’ but exciting season in the Essex Senior League.

Athletic Newham, FC Clacton, Little Oakley and White Ensign are new faces to the league while many teams are adding signings from leagues above.

“We’ll see how the season goes, there is some very good additions to the league from step six, and some moving across. Teams also seem to have big budgets, so from our perspective it’s going to be a very challenging season,” Gazi said.

“We want to finish as high as possible and improve our points tally each season.”

East London Advertiser: Sporting Bengal United in pre-season action against New SalamisSporting Bengal United in pre-season action against New Salamis (Image: Tim Edwards)

The Mile End Stadium-based side are excited about their new-look squad and what they can achieve.

“Hopefully Covid lockdowns don’t have an impact on us this year and we manage to complete the season,” Gazi said.

“I’m excited. I would say it’s 90 per cent change at the club, so many new faces, and I've got a new management team.

“Player-wise it’s wholesale changes, I’m excited by the young talent, and nothing changes at Sporting Bengal. The idea is to drive and encourage Asian participation.

“I’m excited about the two or three youngsters that I’ve brought in whilst also adding to the experience we’ve got from the Tower Hamlets community.”