ALTHOUGH the season finished a good few weeks ago, there is no chance that Mark Yates has been putting his feet up and waiting to watch the World Cup.

The Aggborough boss has been working flat out to compile a team he feels capable of launching an assault on next season's Nationwide Conference.

The former Cheltenham Town midfielder made a double swoop for striker Andy White and defender Stuart Whitehead last week to take his squad to 12 members -- and he isn't finished yet.

He said: "All five of the lads I offered deals to have accepted and we're obviously delighted with that.

"They're young players with a lot of hunger and desire to do well here. Michael Blackwood took a little time to weigh up his options and speak to a few other clubs and that was never a problem for me.

"It is a massive boost for us that Andy White has signed too -- what he gives to the team is invaluable. Two seasons ago he was playing Championship-level football with Crewe and he's still very young. We're delighted to have him on board.

"We know what we're going to get with him -- he'll chip in with his share of goals, but his general play and the way he holds the ball up are the reasons I went in for him as soon as last season was finished.

"As for Stuart, I've played against him several times and he's a player with a fantastic attitude. He wants to defend and enjoys doing it. They were two of my main targets and they're both players with a great understanding of the game."

Former striker Ian Foster also returned to Aggborough last week, but not in a playing capacity, as he will be employed as the club's physiotherapist.