Lincoln Moorlands Railway boss Darren Dye has been working his squad hard ready for life in a higher division.

Moorlands began pre-season training on June 16, much earlier than most other teams as they pre pare for the new season in the Northern Counties East League Premier Division.

Despite finishing fifth last season, Moorlands were handed a surprise promotion after Sutton Town stood down because of severe financial problems.

"This is the first time I've done pre-season as a manager" said Dye who took over when Rick Ranshaw was sacked in March.

"I think we've probably started a little bit too early as we've only had a five-and-a-half week break, but I want us to be prepared and ready for the new season, especially as we're in a higher league.

"I spoke to Gainsborough Trinity manager Paul Mitchell recently, who I played under, and he said being a successful manager is 75 per cent luck.

"And that's very true as I came into the club towards the end of the season and we won the Lincolnshire Cup and got promoted.

"But seriously, we've worked very hard over the last few weeks to create a team ready for the new season."

Adam Gilbert has boosted Dye's ranks, though, returning after a long absence due to a back injury.