BROMSGROVE Rovers joint manager Gary Hackett has emphasised the importance of a good start to his side's Dr Martens Western campaign.

Rovers travel to Racing Club Warwick this Saturday before home games with Bedworth United next Tuesday and Shepshed Dynamo the following Saturday.

Hackett said: "It's important we get off to a good start.

"No matter how well you do pre-season - good or bad - it all starts on Saturday. We have had a good build-up and the players have been getting fitter."

Rovers completed their seven match warm-up ahead of Saturday's opener with a 4-0 victory at Midland Combination premier division side Alvechurch.

Summer acquisition Ashley Read did his chances of starting at Warwick little harm by netting a hat-trick while fellow new signing Richard Burgess grabbed the other.

Hackett added: "It was a very competitive game and Alvechurch created chances in the first 20 minutes.

"We played some good football and Ashley Read chipped in with a hat-trick and whetted our appetite."

Rovers have also made their final signings of the close season with former Green Mark Benbow returning to the club.

Benbow, who had a trial period with Hereford United last month, takes Hackett and Jon Ford's squad over the 20 mark.

Also joining on a permanent deal is goalkeeper Steve Thomas who will start as number two to fellow new signing Chris Taylor.

"He (Benbow) has done very well pre-season," Hackett added. "There will be no more signings."