Cougars have been engulfed by a major ‘feel-good factor’ as preparations for the new season gather momentum.

Chairman Neil Spencer says the signs are good ahead of the start of pre-season training on Tuesday, November 24.

The club’s recruitment drive is almost complete, head coach Barry Eaton having already secured five new arrivals for the campaign in the Co-operative Championship.

Another new face is expected to be un-veiled next week and Spencer (pictured) is delighted with how things are shaping up both on and off the pitch.

“Preparations are going well,” he said. “I’ve got staff that I’ve got every confidence in and the progress we’re making is very encouraging.

“The pressure has always been on us to get out of Championship One and now that we have, we want to keep growing.

“Everybody’s working well and there’s a real feelgood factor about all that’s going on.”

Spencer has also assured Cougars fans they will not be afraid to invest in a playing squad capable of surviving in the Championship, although they will not risk the club’s future in doing so.

He said: “I’m really looking forward to it because there’s nothing that beats a full ground because the banter is there and that’s all about enjoying the day out – whether you win or lose.

“It will be good as far as support is concerned and we will see more visiting supporters. Hopefully that will make our budget right as far as the players we have taken on.

“We’ve got to be true to the supporters and give them the best team we can but we also hope the supporters are true to us because sometimes when things are not going well, they start to put pressure on the board to spend more money.”