STOCKPORT County manager Jim Gannon believes his newly promoted side has what it takes to compete in the National League.
However, speaking after an opening day defeat at the hands of Maidenhead he said the team was still learning about life in the higher division.
In an interview with the league's official website Gannon said he feels it's only a matter of time before County get into their stride.
He said: "It's a big learning curve for us, we need to do certain things a little better but I'm sure that will come.
"We're disappointed because it was a great occasion and we're so happy to be back in the National League - it's just a shame we couldn't get the result to go with it."
He added: "We have got a team that is capable, but we know it's going to be a new level for us - and we will need to rise to it, which I am certain we have the ability to do."
Speaking before the campaign got underway Gannon said: "My ambition for the season is quite simply really. I just want us to be a credit to the club and I want Stockport County to be a credit to the National League.
"We don't have the finances of some of the clubs who have gone up, but it's about how we - Stockport County - become successful at this level.
"It is very demanding in this division. We need to change and grow as a club and we need to keep building. We want to have a solid season and I want us to have belief in ourselves."
County have the honour of opening things up on BT Sport but Gannon knows those he added: "Of course we're looking to start well, but we need to remember we've gone from mainly a part-time league to one which is pretty much full-time with the exception of a number of clubs.
"This league has grown so much in the past three years, but our whole culture has changed - going in as champions should help confidence and give us the inner belief that we won't look out of place.
"We rose to the challenge put to us last year and I have no doubts at all that we can again.
"This is a good group, and they deserve to be playing at the next level. I think Stockport County will add to the National League and I also think being in the National League will help us as a club."