King's Lynn's manager is expecting a tough game as they host Hereford in the first game of the National League North season today.
Hereford at King's Lynn in 2018
Similar to the Bulls, the Linnets have seen a large player turnover this summer and boss Mark Hughes has said his players are ready and "desperate for that competitiveness".
Speaking to Lynn News, he said the side will use the disappointment of the play-off defeat against Kidderminster Harriers - who went on to win promotion at Brackley - as fuel for the fire.
But he admitted the start to the season would be hard, with games against Hereford, Chester, Gloucester City and Alfreton.
He told the paper: "It's a tough start, isn't it?
"I mean, those three sides that we play, Hereford, Chester and Alfreton will be looking to get in the play-offs, so it's a difficult start but it'll be a good gauge for where we are.
"Obviously Scunthorpe are spending a lot of money with the signings of good players, but you know the pressure is on them a little bit, isn't it? Because last year that.
"They are the AFC Fylde of our league probably this year, and unfortunately they pipped us by two points, but we'll see how it goes."
King's Lynn were promoted from step three the year after Hereford and then won promotion to non-league's top flight in the 2019-20 season.
That was one of the seasons curtailed by Covid, with the Linnets champions after the National League decided the final league table would be based on points-per-game.
They dropped back down to step two in 2022 but were competitive throughout the season.