BRIDPORT are “buzzing” to begin their South West Peninsula League Premier East season at Ivybridge, manager Edgar Marcu revealed.

Bridport were relegated from the Toolstation Western League Premier Division last season, having taken just four points from 36 games in a disastrous campaign.

Hopes are far higher in 2022/23 though, as the Bees have been reassigned to the neighbouring league at Step 6 level.

And a positive pre-season, featuring three wins and a draw among three losses, has given the Bees renewed optimism.

READ MORE: Banwell 1-2 Bridport - match report

Romanian coach Marcu told the Bridport News: “The team is buzzing, every single player they can’t wait until the first whistle. Everyone is in a good mood, it’s looking positive.

“Myself as a manager I will never be happy. When we do great, I still want great-plus. When we do amazing I want amazing-plus.

“I’m not displeased with pre-season but I need all the time that plus for whatever we do.

“We’ve worked really hard. Players understand the philosophy, players understand their roles and my expectations.

“I’m going to demand such high (levels) they will need to work hard. We’re going on the right pathway.”

On Ivybridge, he added: “I’m not afraid of any team this season.

“I’ve done some research on them but we will treat them with respect. They had good results in pre-season and they finished in a very good position last season in fourth.

“I didn’t have time to watch their games as we were playing friendlies at the same time.

“We will have to be cautious with this team but we’re going in to show a difference face of Bridport. We’re going there to take points.”

Mo Hereka and Lewis Howe miss out but Riley Greenwood-Neate is expected to play for Bridport despite signing dual forms with Southern League giants Poole in late July.