CARL Macauley has said he will avoid the mistakes he made at his previous club as his Witton Albion side prepare for a return to the Northern Premier League’s top-flight.

He was relieved of his duties as Marine manager in February 2015 with the team in the relegation zone after winning just five of 34 games in the Premier Division.

It is an experience that taught the 46-year-old a lot.

“What I’ve been through before will be a big help to me now,” he told the Guardian.

“At Marine, we stuck to our principles and didn’t compromise even though results weren’t going our way.

“We didn’t have a Plan B, and nor if we’re honest did we have the players to try one.

“You have to mix things up at this level, and at Witton the squad is equipped to do that.

“There were times last season when we couldn’t be as expansive or free-flowing as we wanted, but we found another way to win games.

“That’s likely to be something we have to do often in the Premier Division.”

Macauley has always insisted he does not have a point to prove – either to himself or to others – after returning to management with Witton following his departure from Marine.

He admitted after a 2-1 victory against Spalding United in the play-offs final that he felt emotional, and rated it as one of his favourite moments.

A full-back for Albion when they played in non-league’s top tier in the mid-1990s, he insists there is still plenty more to achieve.

“We’ve sat down and looked at where we think we should be this season,” he said.

“There are a few people at the club who are happy for us just to survive, and after working so hard to get back up again I can understand that.

“However I’m more ambitious, although I’m realistic at the same time.

“I think we’re capable of a top-eight finish, and that’s what we’ll be aiming for.”

A new campaign starts at Mickleover Sports tomorrow before Buxton – opponents Witton swept away during an FA Cup tie last season – arrive at Wincham Park on Tuesday, kick off 7.45pm.

An indifferent pre-season, certainly in terms of results after one win in seven friendly matches, has not done anything to dent optimism inside the dressing room.

Nor has the departure of Bradley Bauress, the team’s outstanding individual performer last term.

Macauley said: “The teams are physically much stronger in this division, they better-organised and dangerous at set pieces.

“At times, it’s Land of the Giants stuff!

“We have to be up for a physical battle, and that presents a challenge to us as a side that likes to play football from the back.

“That means we’ll have to adjust our style, and perhaps won’t be as free-flowing.

“Our opponents won’t know much about us, but I’m sure they’ll give us credit and respect for what we did last season.

“It’s true our squad doesn’t have much experience at this level, but they’re not bothered by that – they see it as part of the challenge to prove themselves.

“I’ve got every faith that they will as well.”