MANAGER John Snape is set to run the rule over several trialists in Worcester City’s pre-season opener at Malvern Town today (noon).

Snape said up to six unnamed players will get the chance to impress him at the HDanywhere Community Stadium.

They are also likely to feature against Worcester Raiders at Claines Lane next Saturday and at Dudley Town on Wednesday, July 18, before Snape decides whether to add them to his squad for the 2018-19 season.

“There will be between four and six trialists in a squad of 20 (at Malvern),” Snape said.

“They will definitely be more offensive-looking players and the next three games will give us a great opportunity to look at those guys.

“But don’t get me wrong we will be ruthless as we want to make sure that we have got a strong squad for the start of the season.

“There may be a few additions and a few minuses along the way.”

Goalkeeper Lewis Gwilliams, defender Joel Caines, winger Jordan Harrison and strikers Joe Bates and Kyonn Evans are also set to play at Malvern after joining City this summer.

Snape said he was relishing the chance to see his team in action as they step up preparations for the upcoming Midland League Premier Division campaign.

“We have lost some players for different reasons but we have kept the nucleus of last season’s squad,” Snape said.

“I feel it is a strong squad that is going to develop and we are looking forward to showing that in our pre-season games.

“They will be new to each other in some departments of the pitch and there will be a lot of changes on the day due to the weather and with it being our first pre-season friendly as well.

“At this stage it is about getting used to the shape that we are going to play next season and looking after ourselves, especially physically, as we will be going to some tough grounds.

“It is about growing that mental toughness before going into competitive games.”

Snape’s new assistant boss Ashley Vincent started working with City’s players earlier this week after agreeing to return to the club.

Vincent, 33, played in the Football League for the likes of Cheltenham Town, Shrewsbury Town and Port Vale before having a brief spell at City in the 2015-16 season.

Snape said Vincent and ex-Birmingham City youngster Mat Birley, who was appointed player-coach, were “growing into their roles” at Worcester.

“Birls knows most of the side having been with the club last season and Ash is fitting in very nicely,” Snape added.

“Ash is very switched on and knows all levels of football.

“This is definitely a development step in his managerial and coaching career. He is back at the club and enjoying himself.”