The new Hemel Town boss wants his side - made up of 12 new players and six former reds - to gel, but getting them ready physically for what will be a tough season is the priority at the moment.

He fielded a mixture of potential first-teamers and reserves in the Tudors' first game, a 0-0 draw with Leverstock Green on Saturday.

"It was very patchy," he said. "But we were solid defensively.

"We need to improve a hell of a lot by the start of the season."

A number of players were missing from the 0-0 draw, though Payne claims most should be back for this weekend's game at Ware, the second of eight friendlies.

Payne, who takes his team to Arsley Town tomorrow night (Tuesday), hopes to have one or two more players in by that time as well.

The reds begin their 2010/11 Zamaretto Southern Premier League campaign with a number of tough games, including a visit to Salisbury City, who were relegated from the Conference last term.

They must also take on Hednesford and Cambridge City in the opening few weeks.

"We are joint top at the moment if we get a win on the first day we'll stay top!" joked Payne.

"It's a tough start in a tough leagues. But all the games are good games, we just want to get started."