THREE strikers could become five by the time Evesham United's players meet up for pre-season training at Common Road next Tuesday night, writes Mervyn Collins.

Having brought in Mark Owen alongside Richard Ball and James Fox, United boss Paul West is in talks this week with Mark Shepherd and Tyrone Fagan.

The Common Road chief will also welcome back Neil O'Sullivan next week ahead of a hectic warm-up schedule but he will be without Rob Taylor and Dean Curtis who have both decided to seek a future elsewhere.

Steve Lutz is another who has decided to return to Evesham but Stephen Luckett decided before the end of last season that he wouldn't be part of West's plans this time around.

Goalkeeper Nathan Vaughan, meanwhile, will spend the pre-season period back at Redditch United.

West revealed that Dave Adey underwent an operation on a troublesome knee last week and the experienced custodian is likely to be back in action ahead of the first friendly outing at Alvechurch on Tuesday, July 17.

Grant Pinkney is another struggling for fitness after a hernia problem prevented him finishing last term but West is happy with how things have progressed since the arrival of new No 2 Neil Hunt.

"We are both looking forward to what will be a tough season," West admitted. "We've been putting together a good pool of players but there will be more additions when the training starts in earnest."

The majority of players, including the youth teamers who helped out last season, will be involved together with several triallists.

"All the players that I wanted back have confirmed verbally and we will see who is there next week," the Evesham manager said.

"The quality of player that we bring in has got to be right but everyone is looking ahead to the season although I know it isn't going to be easy in terms of training facilities and the move to Worcester."

Friendly dates: Tues, July 18 Alvechurch (a) 7.30; Thurs, July 20 Littleton (h) 7.45; Sat, July 22 Worcester City (h) (3); Thurs, July 27 Stra-tford Tn (h) 7.30; Sat, July 29 Boldmere SM (a) 2.30; Tues, August 1 Redditch Utd (h) 7.45; Sat, August 5 Pershore Tn (h) 3.