The new season at Royston Town will see the usual new faces on the field - but there has also been a change in the dugout.

Chris Watters has been promoted from his role as assistant manager to be joint-boss alongside Steve Castle.

The move came partly to block an approach from a club in the level above, and partly because Watters wanted to stay with the Crows.

And the club decided that having two managers would suit the finances at Garden Walk.

Chairman Steve Jackson said: "I wasn’t surprised to hear that Chris had received an approach from a step two club and I was aware of his desire to progress in his managerial career.

"I believe that Chris can do that that here at Garden Walk and both Steve and I didn’t want to lose him.

"I want to stress that Steve fully supports this appointment and the change to our management structure."

Watters said: "I’ve been at this club for nine years now as both a player and coach and the chairman, board and fans have always been fantastic.

"I’ve really grown to love this club.

"Like any coach or manager, I want to progress and operate at the highest level that I possibly can and obviously, the opportunity to move up the ladder was very tempting.

"But I had no immediate ambition to leave Garden Walk and the chance to further my career here at Royston is great for me personally.

"My own pride wants the opportunity to show the fans that we are better than we were last season and that’s something that Steve and I are determined to prove.

"I’m confident that we can bring together a good, talented squad that will work hard and we are looking forward to pre-season.

"We have a clear vision for the team, the type of players we would like to recruit and retain, and the style of football we would like to play to make Royston Town both competitive and exciting to watch.

"I’m sure that our fans will continue to show their support and welcome the new players that will come to the club."

The switch comes at a timely moment too, with Castle due to be out of action for a while as he recovers from an ankle operation.

Castle said: "It means that I will miss most of pre-season but I know that all aspects of the first team are in safe hands with Chris whilst I recuperate."

The Crows have also announced most of their pre-season schedule.

It starts on July 8 away to New Salamis before facing Wingate & Finchley a week later at the London side's Barnet training base.

Garden Walk gets its first taste of action on Tuesday, July 18, against an un-named opponent, expected to be King's Lynn Town and the second home match is against Aveley on July 22.

Haringey Borough is the venue on July 25 before a Herts Charity Cup clash away to Hitchin Town.

That takes place at Top Field on July 29.