Stephen McAlorum admits Belfast Celtic are getting used to having a "target on our backs".
The Ballymena and Provincial League outfit are aiming high, with promotion to senior football a major ambition within McAlorum's squad and in the club's boardroom.
They hoped that would happen last season, but a massive points deduction due to player eligibility issues derailed their quest.
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Celtic have regrouped and are preparing to go again, and McAlorum will be boosted by some high-profile signings including former Irish Premiership striker Darren Murray.
And the determined boss believes rival clubs will be "out to beat us" next season.
"We have a target on our backs and teams enjoy beating us. There has always been a target on our backs, ever since I have been here," McAlorum said.
"But you take that as a positive. If you don't have a target on you then you're obviously not doing well.
"So you see people raising their game against you, and teams celebrating a bit more when they beat you. That's a positive for us, and the boys know what is expected of them."
McAlorum is preparing for another ultra-competitive season ahead for Celtic, with a number of clubs ready to lay down a marker in the Ballymena and Provincial Intermediate League.
"We know next season will be a tough league once again. Teams around us are getting better. Teams like Wakehurst, Ballymoney United, Dunloy, they're all improving," he said.
"There is a strong group there, but we have signed well and we will look forward to the new season.
"The standard might not be as high as what some of our players have played in before, but they will know in the first game of the season what they are in for.
"There are no easy games. Players can't go out and strut their stuff and waltz about. If you're not prepared to put the hard work in then you will get found out. You will end up with egg on your face."
McAlorum says he is enjoying the challenge of managing at Belfast Celtic.
The Covid-19 pandemic impacted on his early tenure, with last season his first full campaign at the helm.
"That was my first full season last year. I am loving it, apart from what happened last season (with the points deduction)," he said.
"Covid obviously impacted on things over the past few years, but hopefully not we can get a good run at it. I have a good group around me, and a good board. who are very good with me.
"They make my job as easy as possible.
"The aim is to get into senior football. No matter where you are you want to get into the league above. And if you're in the Premiership you want to win trophies and qualify for Europe.
"Ambition is there at every level and it's no different whatever club you're at.
"But you don't get there if you don't work hard. It's okay signing the likes of Darren Murray, and wee Brendy Glackin, but you need to work hard first and foremost and have that discipline."
Reflecting on last season's points penalty due to player eligibility issues, which ended any hopes of Celtic winning the title, McAlorum added: "Last season is dead and buried now, we just have to focus on the future and channel our energy into something positive.
"It is a tough league, and things didn't work out for us last season. We just put that behind us and look ahead."
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