HARTLEY Wintney’s new management duo have their sights set on challenging for honours at the top of the Combined Counties League Premier Division.

Daniel Brownlie and Anthony Millerick are the village club’s new joint managers, replacing former boss Ben Dillon, who departed at the end of last season after a successful stint in charge.

Brownlie was Dillon’s assistant as Hartley finished ninth in the table last season, while Millerick’s experience of managing Cove in the same division could be crucial.

Recruitment has gone well over the close season.

Ex-Cove skipper Aaron Parfitt is a new face at The Memorial Ground, while striker Sam Argent has returned to captain the club after a season with Basingstoke Town, a signing that Brownlie feels will be a key one for his side.

Brownlie said: “Sam Argent is a massive signing for us.

“We all know his qualities from when he was here before and his work-rate is unrivalled. He will add a new dimension to our play.”

Hartley have also done well to retain the services of goalkeeper Craig Atkinson, rated by Brownlie as the best in the league, while Hartley’s new boss also believes that talented, but short-tempered, striker Ross Cook has turned a new leaf.

“Ross is the player people should look out for,” the Hartley boss added.

“He is an unbelievable talent. He can be fiery, but we have had a good talk with him and he seems like a different man so far this season.”

Hartley get their league campaign under way on Saturday, hosting Redhill, who were relegated from the Ryman League at the end of last season.

They then make the short trip to Badshot Lea on Tuesday evening for their opening away fixture.

Brownlie is excited about the start of the season and is backing his talented squad to challenge near the top of the table.

He said: “It will be my first competitive match as a manager on Saturday and while Redhill are a bit of an unknown quantity, I am looking forward to it.

“I think we under-achieved last year considering the talent we had in the squad.

“We have added to that this year and the aim is to challenge at the top of the table.”