KING’S Lynn manager Rob Lyon has stressed the importance of aggregate points in what he feels is set to be a close fought campaign ahead.

The PSH Environmental Stars open up their season with Knockout Cup group clashes against great rivals Ipswich, starting at Foxhall on Thursday (April 9) with the return at the Adrian Flux Arena on Monday April 13.

Big winter signing Max Fricke will make his Stars debut alongside fellow newcomer Paco Castagna and the youthful reserve combination of Cooper Rushen and Rising Star Jody Scott, with Jan Kvech, Ben Cook and skipper Chris Harris all retained from last year’s side.

Lyon has been giving his pre-season thoughts to various media channels including the Speedway Star’s bumper preview issue, and the ‘Pride of the East’ King’s Lynn Stars podcast which is available from all usual providers.

He said: “I think it’s fair to say this year the league is probably as competitive and even as it’s ever been.

“I don’t think there’s any stand-out teams out there that you would hang your hat on and say they’re definitely going to be in the play-offs.

“I think it could be quite an even league, and on that basis you have to be realistic about where you’re going to pick your points up.

“Home form, as always, is going to be key, and we’ll be looking to pick up as many aggregate points as we can, and nick the odd win away from home here and there.

“I think away wins are going to be hard to come by for everyone this year, but that would be the gameplan.

“What I find encouraging is that our team is not only capable of being competitive from day one, but it’s also got the added bonus of being a team that can improve as the season goes on.

“We spent a lot of time deciding how we were going to put this together, and I would like to think we’ve got it right – but time will tell once they get out on track!”