Brackley Town manager Jon Brady is still hoping to add new players to his squad ahead of the club’s 2014/15 Conference North campaign.
Saints kicked-off pre-season with a 2-0 defeat to Daventry Town last week and they play their second friendly against Conference South side Hemel Hempstead later today, Thursday.
On the Daventry defeat, Brady said: “I used a lot of players because that is where we are at this moment. However, it was a good opportunity to check fitness levels and to look at some new players who may or may not feature in our plans for the season.”
Brady has already added right-back Dwayne Samuels to the squad, as well as defender Chris Carruthers and midfielders Tom McGowan and Sam Ives from Corby Town.
He added: “We are taking steps forward as the squad comes together. Signing Tom Sharpe and now Ryan Austin is a big plus and we will have a strong defence to build on.
“Dwayne Samuels, who we have brought in from Harrogate, has had an injury and he is playing with a light cast on his wrist but he was back in full training today and he came through very well and is looking sharp already.”
Looking ahead to Brackley’s Conference North opener at AFC Flyde on August 9, Brady added: “I have to balance getting the squad and my plans ready for the forthcoming league fixtures from 9 August and opportunities for competitive pre-season games with getting the right players who can do a job for me and getting the right mix.
“We have some good foundations and I am still looking carefully at new players.
“I know what I need to ensure we are competitive so I am looking at players with a view to their technical ability, strength and pace depending on their position.”
Ahead of tonight’s game against Hemel, Brady said: “I expect Hemel to make an impact in Conference South next year. I know Dean Brennan well from our playing days and he has done a good job there.”
Saints continue their pre-season campaign with a home game against Chesham United on Saturday followed by a friendly against Biggleswade next Tuesday.