One man who is looking forward to the new season more than most is Carshalton Athletic midfielder Jamal Alexander.

Alexander, who joined Carshalton a year ago, made an instant impact on the Robins faithful by hitting four goals during the early part of last season.

However, a knee injury picked up in a League Cup tie against Whyteleafe last October brought his season to a shuddering halt.

The midfielder spent eight months recuperating, but, after two substitute appearances in pre-season, he has now signed on for the start of the new Ryman Division One South campaign.

He said: “I’m feeling better with every minute I train and play.

“I’m happy to commit to the club at this time, it has supported me during this bad experience and I’ll be trying my best to get back into the first team.”

Alexander revealed, following his operation, he spent four months in a leg brace before three months of strength and conditioning work.

“My first proper training session involving a football was the first one of pre-season with the new manager [Matt Howard], so that was good timing because I needed him to see what I’m capable of,” he added.

Howard is preparing Alexander and his team-mates for the visit of Ryman South newcomers Dorking Wanderers this weekend, and the midfielder says the current mood in the Robins camp is buoyant.

"There have been a lot of changes since I was last properly involved but I feel a positive vibe throughout the place, another reason why I was happy to sign," he said.

"Only time will tell how we'll get on but we are all looking forward to the season starting and I'll continue to push myself into the reckoning."