SEVERAL new faces have been invited to train with Worcester City this summer as manager Carl Heeley aims to strengthen his squad.

The Blue and Whites began pre-season training on Saturday and Heeley says he is keen to look at a number of trialists over the next few weeks.

Worcester have so far seen more players leave the club than arrive, with seven departing and four joining.

But Heeley is in buoyant mood at this stage, insisting he was not short of players keen to play for his side.

“A lot of players become available during pre-season, but we don’t want to sign the wrong ones,” he said.

“A number of players came on Saturday and I am sure some of them will dip in and out of our sessions and possibly show their faces at other clubs as well.

“But that’s normal.

“It is not about signing players as early as you possibly can. It is about getting ready for August 6.”

Heeley admitted he was in discussions with some of his targets, including a goalkeeper to replace Nathan Vaughan, who has been snapped up by Solihull Moors.

But he said he was keen to keep his options open ahead of the Vanarama National League North campaign.

“There are a few offers on the table for potential new players,” Heeley said.

“But they are biding their time and we are on the same score as it gives us an opportunity to look at a number of trialists.

“Predominantly we are looking for another full-back, a wide player or two and attacking options.

“There are a couple of things in the pipeline with the goalkeeper situation as well.”

Heeley believes City have already received a boost with the acquisition of midfielders Richard Batchelor and Junior English from Brackley Town and Solihull respectively.

“We particularly wanted to add some steel to the middle of our midfield and we have done that,” he said.

“Those players are difficult to get, so I am not concerned about anything else as there will be players available.”

As well as the arrivals of Batchelor and English and the returns of Graham Hutchison and Sean Geddes to the club, eight of last season’s squad have committed.

Heeley added: “If we had to put a team on the pitch now, then we could almost do that and that is a good sign at this stage and I am sure 10 or 15 players will come under our microscope during pre-season, so let’s see.”

Worcester will play their first match since the 2015/16 campaign came to an end in April when they face Stourport Swifts at Walshes Meadow on Saturday (3pm).