Macarthur RAMS first grade coach Paul Carter says he will target a semi-final spot for the team's debut season in Football NSW's leading competition, Premier League.

Realistically, however, he will consider a mid-table (or just below) finish a successful season. The RAMS have locked in most of the team that will take the region into the next level of football representation.

Carter has been an astute recruiter, preferring to lay confidence in 'young local players'. But he has bought a few trump cards, including former Bankstown City Striker, Sam Mort.

"He's been in their No.1 team for the last couple of seasons. He sat in reserves last year but scored a stack of goals, including 6 against Blacktown," Carter said. "Other clubs were after him; he's potentially a great stiker."

The signature of former Young Socceroo Michael Brown was another recruiting coup. THe 23 year old midfielder has done time at Blacktown and Parramatta, as well as a stint in Holland.

Carter said he also was pleased with the signing of Jason Lewis, a Picton local with "a bundle of experience in the Premier League". The last big-name signing, yet to be finalised, is that of a New Zealand international defender who plays for A-League club Wellington Phoenix. "He will come to us on loan for the full season," Carter said.

THe RAMS' pre-season will kick off with the Johnny Warren Cup on January 19, and Carter said he would use the opportunity for "rotations, fitness and trialling". "You find that successful teams in the cup often falter in the league", he said. "We have nothing to prove there." The proving will start on February 23, when the RAMS face off with football powerhouse and competition favourites Marconi in their debut game.

"It's the best thing that can happen to us," Carter said of the first-up challenge. "It will be a big eye-opener". MDSFA Chairman, Rob Burns said the community had to be realistic about the RAMS' first season in Premier League. "It's a big jump and anything other than last and we would have done our job for year one," he said.

"Realistically it is a three-year plan, and we can't get to year two unless we go through year one. I would encourage people not to be mockers, but supporters. And I would challenge everyone to bring their son or daughter to at least one RAMS game during the season. That is central to our rise."