Skipper Sammy DeGraff says North Village are out to exorcise last season's demons by winning their first Premier Division title since they completed the Triple Crown in 2006.

Village had one hand on the championship trophy with just two games remaining but agonisingly let it slip, allowing eventual winners Dandy Town to wrest it from their grasp.

But DeGraff is confident the Red Army can set the record straight and believes they are better equipped to challenge for honours on all domestic fronts this time around.

"We'll definitely be trying to improve on last season and that means being in contention for all trophies," said the veteran midfielder.

"There's nothing we can do about last season. It was still a successful season as we won two trophies, but we could have accomplished more. We didn't reach all of our goals and therefore came up short.

"Having said that, I think this campaign will be just as difficult. Dandy Town have picked up a few players, as have Devonshire Cougars. I think it will be the same four teams challenging and then there's always a dark horse."

Competition for starting places has certainly been cranked up following the close season return of homegrown trio Tyrell Burgess, Keishen Bean and Taurean Manders.

And DeGraff believes head coach Shaun Goater could be hard-pressed to maintain dressing room harmony given that a few first team regulars could well find themselves starting on the bench, such is Village's depth of talent.

"I think it's the strongest team we've had in the past few years," said DeGraff. "Tyrell, Keishen and Taurean have all returned, our younger players are improving and we're definitely more optimistic about going into this season than we were the last one.

"It will be hard for the coach to keep everyone happy as some of our bench players could easily go to another club and be one of their main players.

"The coach will have to make some tough decisions because our young players were a big part of our success this season and won't be looking to step aside. Guys like Jason Lee, Jonathan Briers and Justin Sousa really stepped up and proved they are more than capable of playing at this level."

All eyes will be on ex-professional Burgess this campaign who has rejoined his boyhood club after being released by Canadian side Vancouver Whitecaps. While DeGraff, himself a former pro-trialist, admits that reaclimatising to a lower standard of football could be a frustrating process for Burgess, he has no doubt his young team-mate will cope with the heavy expectations on his shoulders.

"When I returned from Brazil after my professional trials I was really motivated to show some of the things I learned," said DeGraff. "Because you've played at a higher level people's expectation of you are higher and that can be difficult. You make one mistake and somebody starts saying 'so you played pro?' That can get to you but I'm sure Tyrell will be fine. All you can do is go out and give your best."

DeGraff reckons he has become a more vocal captain since taking over the armband last season and is relishing his extra responsibilities, both on and off the pitch.

"I'm growing into the role. In pre-season I've tried to be been more vocal, especially off the field. Last season saw me take on some new responsibilities and now I'm just trying to represent the club the best I can."