MANAGER Les Jones believes Malvern Town have a strong enough squad to sustain a promotion push in West Midlands Regional League Premier Division.

Town have recently been boosted by the signings of Sean Smith and Rickie Buckland from Powick Rangers and Nathan Haywood from Littleton.

Paulo Edwards has arrived from Welland, while Nathan Hughes has made the switch from Hereford to Malvern.

Apart from Ben Hayes joining Bishop’s Cleeve, Jones has also managed to persuade last season’s crop to stay and he feels the new recruits will add extra strength in depth to his squad.

“They’re all the sorts of players we are looking for to fit into our ethos of getting a young, local side together that can compete at this level,” he said.

“Nathan Hughes is perfect for our philosophy as he is 19 years old and he is a fine attacking player.

“He was at Hereford last year, but he picked up an injury and lost his place. We are hoping he will flourish. Paulo has previously played for Malvern and he has played in the Southern League as well.”