Ħamrun Spartans have their eyes set on establishing themselves in the BOV Premier League, club president Gaetano Debattista told reporters during an official presentation of the new signings at sponsors videoslots.com’s headquarters, yesterday.

The Spartans are back in the top flight after an absence of four years and this summer Debattista and his committee sought to assemble a competitive side to make sure they won’t flirt with the dreaded drop again.

Coach Steve D’Amato has an almost new squad available as 17 of the 24 players in the senior side are all newcomers to the club.

Despite the raft of new signings the Reds still kept faith with their youth sector as they have promoted five players from the U-17s and U-19s to the first team.

“We want to become an established side in the Premier,” Debattista, who was confirmed as club chief earlier this week, said.

“We are aware of the big competition that exists in the championship this season but we also know that Ħamrun are now a very competitive side that can offer a decent challenge to the rest of the teams.

“The start was very positive and now we’re hopeful that our performances will continue to improve. That way we can attain our goal of avoiding the bottom places very early in the season.”

D’Amato lauded the committee’s undertaking this summer to bring in new players, creating a very healthy competition for places in the team.

“I’m very happy with this squad as now we have at least two players for every position and that is very important ahead of a very long and demanding season,” the coach said.

“From what I’ve seen so far there is little difference between most of the teams so there is no room for error. With the abolition of the format to halve points midway through the season, clubs from the lower half of the table will find it more difficult to recover ground now.

“There is great enthusiasm and hopefully the fans’ support will lead us to a very positive season.”