While not ruling out a shot at promotion, Banstead Cricket Club skipper Dan Newton says this season is all about consolidation.

After a disastrous Premier Division campaign last term, where Newton missed the entire season recovering from a shoulder operation, Banstead were relegated to the second tier of the Surrey Championship.

Now Newton is back fully fit and the club, with former skipper Tom Lancefield returning with the bat and as chairman, is looking to build a base on which to mount a revival of fortunes.

But that does not mean there has been a big over-haul of players, although Newton is hoping they will not be using a similar quota to last season.

The 24-year-old said: “Last season was unfortunate. It was so disorganised and there was not the commitment we needed.

“The side would change almost every week, and we ended up using something like 34 players.

“Now we’ve got a core of players on which to build a side, and this season is all about consolidation as we go through a transitional time.”

He added: “Promotion is the target, and I believe we are good enough, but it’s not the be-all and end-all.”

Surrey Comet:

Back: Tom Lancefield is back at Banstead with the bat, and as chairman

Banstead have recruited David Hurst – from Cheshire League Premier Division side Neston - and welcomed back Lancefield, but Newton is also looking for some of last season’s brightest lights to kick on this time round.

With the ball, Newton is putting his faith in Chris Bolton, who took 18 wickets last season at an average of 19.11, and Connor Cody, who claimed 19 wickets at 21.79.

Craig Short has been handed the gloves, and Newton is expecting Josh Lawrence, a bit-part opener last term, to come good alongside Lancefield.

While Banstead may not consider promotion to be key to a successful season, Newton knows there are other to whom it means everything.

He said: “Spencer are always a strong side and they will be one of the favourites for the top, but then Malden Wanderers are a Premier Division side, and Cranleigh will want to be up there.”

* Banstead kick-off their new season on Sunday in the National Knockout Cup with a trip to Sutton.