Didcot Town boss Stuart Peace feels the signing of centre back Andy Gunn could be the key to a successful season – and help improve on last season’s finish.

An impressive run moved Didcot, who start their campaign with a home game against Evesham United on Saturday, well away from the relegation zone, but a late slump saw them escape the drop by five points.

Peace says the addition of Gunn from Oxford City, would form a formidable back-line.

Peace said: “Andy is our main signing. I worked with him before when he came to us on loan from Oxford United and know what he brings to the table.

“With him, Andy Williams and Alex Stanley we have probably got the best three defenders in this league.”

During the summer, Peace was further boosted by the return of Elliot Osbourne-Ricketts, while keeper Sam Warrell (from North Leigh) and Flackwell Heath hitman Riccardo Cannon have also come in.

Defender Martin Brown and 18-goal top scorer Mark Draycott were the major departures in the summer.

Peace added: “I’ve got an idea of my 14, but obviously I would like the squad to be a bit stronger.

“I’ve got numbers, but I’m not sure if we have the strength in depth.”

He said the aim of the exercise was like last term.

“We are not ready – either on or off the pitch – to mount a challenge at the top.

“We want to survive and if we can finish a point or a place higher than last year would have done ok.”

Peace added: “The team is looking fit and look a bit sharper than they did this time last season.

“It would be great if we could improve the home form, which has not been good for a number of years.

“We’re trying to work on a few things to remedy it.

“After Saturday we have two away games, so it’s important to get a win against Evesham. Former City midfielder Shaun Wimble was made player coach after Richard Hill left, while Howard Cowley is assistant manager following the departure of Andy Lyne for personal reasons in the summer.

Didcot will be without defender Lee Henderson (hernia operation) and fellow new signing Jack Smith (groin) for the visit of Evesham.