CONWY Borough’s belief in the current squad has been evident throughout the early stages of the transfer window as they prepare for a return to the Huws Gray Alliance.

The treble-winners boasted a second tier squad in all-but name last season, so no drastic changes are necessary as they look to re-establish themselves as a force within the division.

Manager Gareth Thomas has done a brilliant job of getting the club back on the right path after it lost its way in recent times, and it is easy to forget that just a few short years ago they finished second in the HGA under Darren Moss before a series of disappointing campaigns that ultimately resulted in their demotion.

While anything like that level of expectation would be foolish for the coming season, there is a growing belief that the Tangerines can really impose themselves and become one of the surprise packages from what is expected to be another ultra-competitive league in the coming months.

As the old saying goes, success breeds success, and Thomas is showing tremendous faith in those that have got the club to this point by giving them a chance to shine against heavyweights such as Bangor City, Rhyl and Airbus Broughton.

Few would begrudge prolific striker Corrig McGonigle a prolonged shot at proving himself on a bigger stage in the second tier, with the former Bangor City youth product looking to further enhance his reputation as one of the deadliest finishers anywhere in the region.

His partnership with Dean Seager really caught the eye when the striker arrived from Llandudno Junction midway through the season, and the youngster’s record in the HGA for a struggling side last season will give everyone plenty of encouragement this can be at the very least replicated given the large amount of quality within the squad.

If he can remain free of injury, the talented Cory Williams is another that is expected to contribute significantly, and his experience with Colwyn Bay, Chester and Caernarfon Town will serve the club well during the inevitable difficult stages of the season.

With the signing of Llandudno legend Lee Thomas, Boro’s front four will be as good as anything in the league and goals should not be hard to come by which will always give you a chance to succeed no matter what level you are playing at.

Skipper Iolo Hughes and Brendun Hogan are two key cogs in their back-line and although the standard is notably higher in the HGA, it would be a huge surprise not to see them thrive at a higher level, while the likes of Matty Lock, midfielder Tom Creamer, Adam Whitlock and Guto Hughes are others that have been given an opportunity by Thomas, who is to be commended for giving this young squad a reward for their incredible achievement last term.

Of course there will be new signings, but sticking with what got them here is a fantastic indication of the faith shown in this current squad by Thomas and the way each member of the set-up has bought into the manager’s ethos which is going to stand them in good stead for the challenges that lie ahead.