Rushden endured a disappointing last season and eventually finished in 16th position.

Although the Nene Park outfit comfortably avoided the drop, Hill's side were still languishing 22 points adrift of a play-off berth in their second campaign in the Blue Square Premier following relegation from the league in 2006.

Having failed to live up to expectations, changes were needed at Nene Park in pre-season and Hill has revamped the squad.

And Hill's overhaul has obviously gone down well as Rushden have been installed as one of the favourites for promotion.

A total of 40 players made first team appearances for Rushden last term. Fifteen of those players remain at Nene Park, while Hill has brought in 10 new signings during the summer.

Goalkeeper Alan Marriott (Lincoln City), right-back Curtis Osano - who made last season's loan spell permanent - left-back Gareth Jelleyman (Mansfield Town) and centre-half Sagi Burton (Barnet).

Scott Mitchell and Rob Wolleaston have bolstered the midfield while winger Jamie McGuiness (Luton Town) gives Hill options on the flank.

And the addition of three strikers - Dean McDonald, Daryl Clare (Burton Albion) and Lee Phillips – has given Rushden more firepower.

Looking to the future, Hill has also secured the services of youngsters Sam Smith and Jake Beecroft who have signed new long-term deals with the club.

Striker Smith and midfielder Beecroft, both 18, have penned contracts until the end of the 2010-11 season.

And Hill is happy with the squad he has assembled.

"We have a strong squad this year, there is no doubt about that," said Hill. "I think that when you look at the squad over recent seasons, it's probably the best squad we've had in a while."

It remains to be seen whether or not Rushden can mount the promotion bid they are expected to this term following a mixed bag of results in pre-season.

But Rushden kicked-off the new campaign with a 1-0 win at newly promoted Eastbourne Borough on Saturday courtesy of a first-half Curtis Woodhouse penalty.

Central midfielder Woodhouse has been named as Rushden's new team captain.

Woodhouse, 28, is combining his time at the Nene Park outfit with a career as a professional boxer at welterweight level.

Midfielder Andy Burgess, the longest serving player at the club, will take on the role of vice team captain and club captain.

Burgess will provide the day-to-day continuity when Woodhouse is pursuing his boxing interests.

And Rushden followed that opening day win with a 2-0 victory against Ebbsfleet at Nene Park on Tuesday courtesy of goals from substitute Sam Smith and Lee Phillips, meaning Hill's side face Wrexham boasting a 100 per cent record..

Hill handed five of his ten summer signings – Marriott, Jelleyman, Burton, McDonald and Phillips – their debuts at Eastbourne last week.

Osano was also making his first appearance after joining permanently while Wolleaston made his bow as a second half substitute and Mitchell was left on the bench.

McGuiness did not make the squad while Clare was unable to make his first competitive appearance because of injury.

The 30-year-old striker suffered a broken jaw during the 2-0 friendly defeat by an Arsenal XI on July 31 and is set to miss the first eight weeks of the season.

Hill made just one change to the starting eleven for the follow-up win against Ebbsfleet