New boss John Crumplin reckons any success that Walton & Hersham achieve next season will be based on a rock-solid defence.

The former Brighton midfielder hosted his first training sessions with his new club this week as the Swans prepare for the start of the Ryman Division One South campaign in August.

And having conceded 55 goals in their 42 games last year, Crumplin admits the defence will be his first priority.

He said: “If there is one thing I would say to Walton & Hersham fans it is that we will be tight at the back next season.

“I’m not saying we are going to be boring, but you achieve very little in football without a strong defence.

“The back five will be very disciplined, I can promise you that, and that will be the main task to sort out in pre-season.”

Crumplin revealed he has asked all of the Swans squad back for pre-season training, along with inviting a handful of veteran players from a higher level.

And the Walton boss is looking forward to how things pan out.

He added: “As with any club I will probably need to move players out to bring players in, but I will not be getting rid of players for the sake of it.

“We have a very young squad here, but they are the future of the club and they will all get a chance.

“I want to bring in experience, but I will not do that at the expense of good young players.”

The Swans get their pre-season schedule underway with the visit of Blue Square South side Hayes & Yeading this week (July 7), and Crumplin is looking forward to trying out a few tricks going forward.

He added: “I will be working hard on the defence, but you also need to score goals.

“I was a wide player myself, so I love to see my teams getting the ball out wide.

“My philosophy is to get the ball out wide and get it in the box, and we will be working hard to get a system in place for the new campaign.”