THIS season is a hugely critical one in the short and long-term vision of Llandudno and manager Iwan Williams.

The former Caernarfon Town boss has been very active in the transfer market with a series of incomings and outgoings as he looks to stamp his own ethos on the squad with assistant Matty Williams.

Just Toby Jones and newly appointed skipper Danny Hughes remain from last season’s senior set-up, and Tudno have assembled a deep squad full of talent and experience of success at this level.

They took the JD Welsh Premier League by storm following promotion under Alan Morgan, but last season represented a significant downturn in their fortunes that saw them embroiled in a shock fight for survival in the closing stages.

Whether this was down to squad harmony, a managerial change or complacency is up for date, but Williams is keen to avoid such complications this time around and has surrounded himself with strong characters who will be holding themselves accountable, and the signs have definitely been encouraging during their busy pre-season schedule.

The top flight is an unforgiving place but in Mike Pearson, Kai Edwards and Steve Thomas they have significantly strengthened at the back, and in Shaun Pearson they have a dependable presence in goal that has been sorely lacking during Williams’ initial time in charge so far.

Tudno also have plenty of attacking options at their disposal, with new signings such as Alfons Fosu-Mensah, John Owen, Mark Connolly and Alun Webb all providing something different that is going to be a huge asset for Williams to call upon throughout the campaign.

Key man: Danny Hughes

There is no doubt that Hughes is one of the most talented players at his position in the entire division, and the onus will be on him to dictate the tempo of the game and use his exceptional passing skills to good use during the season and through the important early stages for a team in transition.

Hughes also came up with a much-improved goalscoring return last year, and his new role as skipper may bring even more out of the highly experienced figure who is held in extremely high regard both at the club and throughout the league.

Player to Watch: Kai Edwards

Edwards is a very vocal presence on the pitch, and his move to centre half after a hugely impressive spell at Connah’s Quay Nomads will be a key contributing factor in any success that comes their way this season.

There is no doubting his talent, and he has quickly emerged as a senior figure within the squad, so his motivation and organisation of a Tudno rearguard that has a strong reputation could bring with it huge rewards providing Edwards shows the same sort of form for his new club.

Verdict:

Williams is ambitiously targeting European football, and while that may seem unrealistic to some there is no doubt this squad has the potential to reach their manager’s lofty goals providing they all gel from the off.

There are match-winner dotted everywhere in the squad and they also possess the right blend of youth and experience, which is the cornerstone for any achievements in the upper echelons of the division in recent years.

Breaking back into the top six will be difficult, but with each player buying into Williams’ ethos it is something I expect to happen.

Prediction: 6th (JD Welsh Premier League)

First five games: Aug 10: Aberystwyth Town (A), Aug 18: Carmarthen Town (A), Aug 25: Newtown (H), Sept 1: Cefn Druids (A), Sept 8: Barry Town United (H).