Bromley Football Club goes into this Saturday's opening Ryman League Division One match at Albert Road against Croydon full of optimism after a successful pre-season campaign.

Manager Stuart McIntyre, chairman Jerry Dolke and his deputy Paul Greenwood are striving to persuade fans to come back to Hayes Lane.

McIntyre said: "The most important thing I would say to people who haven't been to Hayes Lane for a long time is that Bromley Football Club is a totally different club from before.

"People may have come on an odd occasion in the past and it didn't look right. The team wasn't right, the pitch, whatever. Bromley is now a totally different club in every area.

Bromley have introduced a "kids for a quid" scheme to attract youngsters under the age of 16, aimed at creating a family atmosphere so those of all ages can support their local club.

Admission for adults will cost £6 and £3 for OAPs.

On the pitch, pre-season preparations have gone well beyond expectations with the team winning six of its eight pre-season friendlies prior to last night's game against Romford.

McIntyre has signed Colin Luckett from Fisher Athletic, goalkeeper Chuck Moussadek-Martini from Dartford, Richard Thompson has joined from Wycombe Wanderers, and Eddie Akuamoah was signed from Sutton United on Sunday despite Carshalton Athletic being believed to have made him a better financial offer.

Eddie Saunders, who joined from Nationwide Conference side Woking, played in Bromley's 6-1 win over Chatham Town on Saturday.

However, long-serving utility player Andy Silk has left the club, as has Vladimir Lazic and Billy Manuel. McIntyre said: "I have released Billy because his style of play wasn't quite fitting into the plans. But he is a very competent football player.

"He is physically strong and I know he has been working hard, but I think it's too much to ask him to be a midfield general whilst he is working physically every day."

Tooting & Mitcham United visit Hayes Lane next Tuesday at 7.45pm.