The start of the Blue Square North Bet campaign may still be seven weeks away – but AFC Telford United have already begun their preparations.
The Bucks returned to pre-season training this week at Wrekin College, with new signings Ashley Wooliscroft, Liam Murray and Steve Abbot all in attendance.
It was the first chance for manager Andy Sinton and his No 2 Darren Read to put the squad through their paces.
Sinton has targeted at least three more signings, having already moved to bolster last season’s squad.
And he is hoping more new arrivals are imminent.
“We are looking to try and bring in three, maybe four, others,” said Sinton.
The Bucks expect to complete the signing of a new winger within the next 48 hours.
“We are 98 per cent of the way there and hopefully it’s just a case of dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s,” said club chairman Lee Carter.
Sinton met his squad for the first time on Tuesday when the players returned for their first pre-season training session.
“It will be fairly low key in this first week and it’s a chance for us all to get to know each other and for me to assess the squad,” he added.
The Bucks boss also plans to hold negotiations with three members of last season’s squad – Phil Trainer, Steve Thompson and Adam Dugdale.
Determined defender Dugdale has vowed to do everything within his power to earn a fresh deal with the club.
The 22-year-old joined his Bucks team-mates for the opening pre-season training session and Sinton intends to cast his eye over Dugdale over the next week before deciding on his future.
“I spoke to the gaffer and he said he wants to come in and have a look at me for a week or 10 days,” said the Liverpool-based stopper.
“He knows about me but he wants to have a look with his own eyes and, if he likes what he sees, I will be offered something.
“It’s now up to me to impress because I’m desperate to stay at Telford.
“I’ve had interest from other Blue Square North clubs but if you are going to play at that level, there is only club to be at and that’s Telford.
“I was here for three months last season and, although it wasn’t the best spell for the club, I really enjoyed my time here.
“It would be fantastic to be involved with Telford when things are going well.”
The AFC Telford United squad will prepare for their Blue Square Bet North campaign with an intensive eight game friendly programme.
The Bucks have published their list of pre-season games, with the visit of Wolves on Tuesday, August 10 the stand-out fixture.
Other notable features are a Supporters Direct Cup game with FC United of Manchester on July 24, while Bucks officials hope to offer free entry for the game with Prescot Cables on July 17.
“It’s a good, varied programme and will give Andy the chance to work on a few things,”said chairman Lee Carter.
The full friendly list is: Tues July 6 - TNS (a), Sat July 10 - Market Drayton (a), Sat July 17 - Prescot Cables (h), Tues July 20 - Hereford (h), Sat July 24 - FC United of Manchester (h), Sat July 31 - Llanelli (a), Tues Aug 3 - Hednesford (a), Tues Aug 10 - Wolves (h).
By Chris Hudson