Oxford City boss Mike Ford has targeted a place in the Premier Division play-offs as they look to improve on last season’s 13th-place finish.

And he is looking for winger Michael Lyon to provide the ammunition for new striker Dan Holman and the returning duo of James Faulkner and Billy Beechers.

“Preparations for the season have gone well,” said Ford, whose charges kick off their campaign against his old club Bedford Town on Saturday.

“The target has to be better than we were last season and I’m convinced we are a better unit. I see no reason why we can’t aim for a play-off finish.

“If I left the team as it was, people would be asking questions, but we needed to freshen it up.”

In the summer, City saw Lee Steele, Jonathan Douglas, Andy Gunn and Delroy Gordon depart, but Ford wants others to step up to the plate.

He added: “I was a bit disappointed about losing Lee (Steele), but the goals will now be shared out among the players.”

Ford said Lyon’s return to City was a massive boost.

“We lost Michael last season because he was unable to commit to training and if you can’t do that then you are going to struggle,” said Ford.

“But we kept in contact. James Faulkner has also come back into the group. So we’ve got a nice base to start from.

“Dan (Holman) has got bags of goals and it gives him a great opportunity.

“I feel we have got competition for places. And when eveyone is fit, I will have to make some difficult decisions.”

Jack Ashton could make his debut after recovering from a knee injury in pre-season just days after signing from Banbury United.

Beechers misses out as he is at a wedding, while Mark Bell and Darren Pond are ruled out with long-term injuries.

Former Oxford United assistant boss Mark Harrison is now coach following the departure of Paul Wanless.

Ford added: “We can’t wait to get on with the season.