After a long period of success, Richie McLoughlin suffered the disappointment of relegation last season after a tough campaign.

It wasn't that long ago that Roofing were competing in the FA Vase semi-final, and McLoughlin is eager to get back to those heady days as quickly as possibl – starting with immediate promotion.

"It's not worth being in the league if you are not looking to get promoted," said McLoughlin. "It's our main priority.

"We may get a good cup run, but I find that it's hard to work the two together.

"I wouldn't care if we were knocked out of all the cups early on to be honest."

Division Two – like the professional game's Championship – is regarded as an extremely tough league to get out of, and McLoughlin predicts that this season will be no different.

With a number of clubs having large budgets, Roofing face stiff competition if they are to make an instant return to Division One.

Sunderland RCA paid last season's Northern League champions Durham City a reputed £5000 for midfielder Keith Graydon, while the likes of Horden and Marske United have strengthened their squads.

And with Washington, Esh Winning and Norton all likely to be strong as well, it could be a tough season.

McLoughlin added: "I think Ryhope (Sunderland RCA) will be one of our main rivals – they should be up there with the squad they've got.

"Marske will be a hard side to beat, as will the likes of Whickham – who were up there last season – and Washington, who will want to bounce straight back like us.

"But all I'm interested in is us. We've got to take it game by game and try and get as many points on the board as possible."

McLoughlin is hoping that the experience of former Newcastle United defender and Torquay boss Wes Saunders will prove invaluable off the pitch this season.

McLoughlin recruited Saunders – who had a spell as a player at Roofing – as assistant manager, with Dave Tate also assisting him.

And the move paid instant dividends, with Saunders persuading ex-Hartlepool striker Eifion Williams – who he managed at Torquay – to turn down more substantial offers and join him at Roofing.

McLoughlin added: "Wes and Dave take training, and have taken a lot of the load off me. It will make my job a bit easier."