By Mark Mitchener

There's no way I can think my place is guaranteed because the gaffer doesn't work that way Steve Mildenhall

Yeovil Town's new goalkeeper Steve Mildenhall is aiming high this season, following his summer move from Grimsby.

"I've set myself a target of 25 clean sheets for the season, as I kept 21 last year for Grimsby and we were there or thereabouts," he told BBC Sport.

"I've got the first one out of the way now, so it's 24 to go.

"Some people might think that's a stiff task, but you've got to have goals in life and if I can keep 25 clean sheets, we'll be right up there near the top."

The 28-year-old Wiltshire-born stopper is one of eight summer signings brought to Huish Park by new manager Russell Slade.

Having worked under Slade at Grimsby last season during the Mariners' push to the League Two play-off final, Mildenhall was quick to renew their working relationship.

It has also allowed him to return to his native West Country, five years after leaving home town club Swindon.

"When my year was up at Grimsby, my other half Karen and I wanted to come back nearer home," Mildenhall explained.

"But I wasn't just going to pick the first club that was interested - I wanted to come somewhere where I felt comfortable, and where there was a chance of things going forward.

"As soon as the gaffer came here, we had a chat and he explained the club to me.

"After that, there was no second thoughts about anything else, I was happy to come here. It's also a bonus that it's nearer home.

STEVE MILDENHALL FACTFILE Born: Swindon, 13.5.1978 Position: Goalkeeper 1995-2001: Swindon 2001-2004: Notts County 2004-2005: Oldham 2005-2006: Grimsby 2006-date: Yeovil

"It's always nice working under somebody when things go right and you're at the top of the division - hopefully we can work hard here and who knows what might happen?"

Mildenhall has begun the season as the Glovers' number one after last season's rival keepers Chris Weale and Steve Collis departed for Bristol City and Southend respectively.

But he admitted: "To be honest, when I decided to sign, I didn't know what the situation was, I didn't know who was still here or not.

"That didn't really sway my decision to come, as I'm confident in my own ability and I'd already made my mind up.

"It wasn't until I was about to sign that I found out both keepers had decided to leave the club.

"But I don't take anything for granted, as there are two very good young goalkeepers at this club (Darren Behcet and Danny Barker) who are learning and improving every single day.

"There's no way I can think my place is guaranteed because the gaffer doesn't work that way.

"It doesn't matter how old or young you are, if you're not doing your job, someone else will be in there."

Mildenhall kept 21 clean sheets for Grimsby Town last season

Although the Glovers did not guarantee their League One status until late into last season, Mildenhall is optimistic that they can surprise teams this term.

"It's a pretty young squad here, but it's hungry - everyone wants to learn, the enthusiasm's great and there's a lot of ability out there," he explained.

"On Saturday at Millwall, our passing was exceptional, and it's set a standard for us as we've shown we can do well against one of the so-called better teams in the division.

"The lads who were here last year and the new players know what's needed in this division.

"You know you'll come up against teams that will concentrate on set plays, so you've got to concentrate for 95 minutes and have that resiilence not to want to concede, which we had at Grimsby."

Having drawn with Millwall and Bournemouth in their opening two games, Yeovil can now look to extend their unbeaten start.

"It's still early days - collectively, we've still got a few things to work on, as there's a few things the gaffer's brought to light," Mildenhall added.