Walton Casuals boss Mark Hams is settling into his new role with an old school agenda.

The former Kingstonian assistant boss took over the reins at Waterside Drive last month, and has begun rebuilding a side that was only saved from relegation to the Combined Counties League last season by a restructuring of the non-League pyramid.

While former captain Craig Lewington has left, Hams has recruited from club academies with the emphasis very much on youth.

Casuals take on Kingstonian this weekend in a training match, and one academy star of the future will, according to Hams, be the stand out star.

Hams said: “Everything is starting to fall into place, we have had three training sessions and the boys are looking sharp.

“I want to get a good strong youthful side, but I need some experienced names to help them along the way.”

He added: “One to watch out for is Darryl Siaw from the Staines Town academy. He plays at centre half and is a great athlete.

“I am surprised he has not been given a chance before, I believe he will be solid for us at the back.”

While Hams is keen to promote attacking football, it will have to wait while the foundations are laid in defence.

He said: “We need to make sure we don’t concede. I am old school and to me, having a foundation at the back is most important.

“I am not saying we’re going to turn into a George Graham kind of side, but we have to be secure at the back before we can start getting arrogant and fly forward at any opportunity.”

The Casuals pre-season friendlies so far include: Met Police (h, July 13); AFC Wimbledon (h, July 20, midday); Woking (h, July 27); Molesey (a, July 30) Kingstonian (h, August 3).

While Hams is pleased to have them organised, he is itching for the season to start.

“There is no end product to pre-season games, over and above saying ‘yep, you’re fitness levels have increased’.

“When there is not three points or a cup place riding on it, it is much of a muchness. I cannot wait for the season to start.”