THE nucleus of Evesham United's first team pool is already in place ahead of the first training session on July 10.

Wes Joyce, Nathan Jukes, Jay Powell, Andy smith and Mark Shepherd have all agreed to stay at Common Road, while manager Phil Mullen has added former Worcester City man Mark Burrows and Halesowen Town's Kirk Master to his squad.

Goalkeeper Damion Quailey has assured the Robins' chief that he will be fit for the start of the new Dr Martens League campaign that kicks off on Saturday, August 16.

Mullen revealed that other members of last season's squad should be at the opening training session that takes place just two days prior to the first warm-up against Kidderminster Harriers on Saturday, July 12 (3pm).

"No one has left that I am aware of apart from Tim Hart who has gone to America," Mullen revealed. "I have spoken to another couple of players and there will be a number of triallists involved in the friendly matches."

One player who Mullen would like to have in ranks is Inderpaul Khela, who impressed on a long-term loan last season and was released by Kidderminster at the end of last season.

However, he is currently in Canada and the United manager has been unable to contact him.

Friendly itinerary: Saturday, July 12 v Kidder-minster (h); Sat, 19 v Tuffley Rvrs (a); Sat, 26 v Moor Green (h); Tues, 29 v Hinckley (h); Sat, August 2 v Oldbury (a); Tues, 5 v Willenhall (a); Sat, 9 v Port Talbot (a). Provisional: v Littleton (July 24) and Stourbridge (July 17).