Ely City manager Guy Habbin hoping to guide Robins to a more stable 2023/24 season

‘Stability’ is the aim for new Ely City manager Guy Habbin ahead of the 2023/24 Thurlow Nunn League Premier Division season getting under way this weekend.

The Robins endured a tough time of it last term, finishing 18th and just six points above the drop zone.

Habbin arrived at the club during the run-in to assist Luke McAvoy and he has since gone on to become the number one.

And while he is not setting any targets in terms of a finishing position, Habbin is hopeful that a brighter campaign lies ahead.

“Stability is key. Luke had a tough time of it with departures last summer and then again during the season,” he said.

“I came in around March time. Ely is my local club and there was always a view of me taking over as manager in the summer.

“I managed to get a bit of a headstart and an insight into where we need to improve, and we’ve worked hard this summer.

“We won’t be putting numbers on it or targets because so much can change during a season.

“But we’re happy with the players we’ve retained, we’re happy with what we’ve signed and so now we just want some stability. If we can get that I’m sure the results will come.”

Ely’s stand-out addition of the summer is Jack Friend, who has arrived at the Demcom Stadium after scoring more than 100 goals for March Town United.

Habbin, whose side start at Norwich United on Saturday (3pm) and then host Thetford Town on Tuesday (7.45pm), added: “I know Jack from my time at March and we’re really pleased he’s signed for us. He’s keen to be a part of the project we’re putting together at the club and having someone of his quality is only going to help us achieve that.”