The Horsfielders have suffered heavy losses to their line-up from last season.

But while many will be writing off their chances of silverware, new captain Wilson feels his side may just cause an upset or two.

Looking ahead to the new season, which begins on Sunday, he said: "Obviously we have lost a few players, so I don't think big things are expected from us this season.

"But saying that, we have a lot of young lads coming through ready to take their place.

"For the last few years people have been expecting us to be challenging for titles and things, but we haven't.

"Now we have lost the players we have, a lot won't necessarily put us in that bracket.

"But you never know, I have every confidence in my players and we may just shock a few people."

Leading amateur Jeff Ellis, Stuart and Sean Lemon and Qasim Ali have all left the club for pastures new, hitting the side hard.

While Sean Lemon and Ali have joined Nelson and Burnley respectively, the other two have left the Lancashire League completely, as Wilson added: "Jeff Ellis is a massive loss to us – I considered him one of the best amateurs in the Lancashire League.

"But the young lads who have wanted a chance to prove themselves over recent years, and haven't had the chance, now have that opportunity.

"There is still that little bit of naivety in us I think – we played at Fleetwood last week, posted 140 on a bad wicket and had them at 5-4, only to lose the match.

"So there is still that mentality in us where we need to finish games off, but with a bit of experience coming back into the first team with the likes of Colin Varley and Justin Nutter, that can only help the youngsters."

Colne have also signed up South African Blake Snijman as their professional for the new season, with Wilson commenting: "He has come highly regarded, and he is now here for the first game, which is a big bonus.

"We haven't had the best of luck with pros over recent seasons, and we will be missing Blake for five games in July this time as well.

"He is going back to South Africa to feature for a select side, which is a blow, but he is meant to be a good up and coming player so we are excited about his arrival."

Colne open their season with a home game with pre-season favourites Rawtenstall, while their Worsley Cup campaign begins with a home game with Lowerhouse on May 18th.