BACKS coach Ali Hepher says he wants to see Exeter Chiefs hit the ground running this season.

The Championship's new play-offs system means it is possible for the team finishing eighth in the league to still win the title.

And, as a result of that, clubs will not be under pressure to win every game of the campaign in order to clinch the league, as was previously the case.

But Hepher says he does not want to see the Chiefs relaxing in the early stages of the season and does not expect them to after seeing how profssional they have been in pre-season training so far.

Hepher said: "There is always going to be pressure and the guys will need to make sure they are performing.

"Guys will not be able to relax at the start of the season, because we will be picking the team and there will be competition in the squad for places.

"It's also going to be a more competitive league this season because it has been reduced to 12 teams.

"We will also need guys that can perform under pressure when it comes to the business end of the season.

"You have still got to put yourself in a good position. It will be about peaking and the league won't be won in October or November, it's going to be won in March.

"The important thing is getting a semi-final place and then you have got a chance of doing the whole job."

Hepher has only been in place in the Sandy Park set-up for just over a month, since arriving in Devon from Northampton.

But the 34-year-old says that he has found it easy to settle into life at the club and is relishing the opportunity to get down to work with the Chiefs' players.

Hepher said: "Everyone has been really welcoming and it has been a really easy transition – the guys are really professional, so it's easy to blend in.

"The players are all good guys who work hard and that's all you can ask. They are also very open to new ideas and we are really positive.

"It's still the honeymoon period at the moment while we aren't playing games.

"There is some good quality to work with and at the moment it's about getting the players performing at the highest level possible."

Hepher also had plenty of praise for his new boss, Rob Baxter.

Head coach Baxter has made some shrewd moves in the transfer market so far this summer and Hepher has been impressed by the results.

"He's very good to work with," Hepher said. "We agree on a way forward and talk it out between us first.

"He's been really positive, he just lets you get on with it and oversees things, which allows you the freedom to do your job.

"He's an Exeter legend and that's really important for the club. You need club men across the board and that's how I would like myself and the players to be as well.

"It would be great for them to achieve something special for the club that you can't take away from them."