MALVERN Town have been back in pre-season training now for two weeks and a new -look squad is beginning to be put in place.

A number of players who have featured for Town during the past few seasons will not be returning.

General Manager Richard Anson said: "Whilst we have been generally consistent over the past few years, manager Joe Rawle, coach Neil Hunt and myself felt that we needed some fresh faces in the dressing room, which includes players dedicated to what we want to achieve and be prepared to put the work in that goes alongside that.

"Certainly, we want to try and maintain a realistic title challenge, but if we don't succeed, we want to be satisfied that we gave it our best shot."

And Town have not been slow in adding some new names to the squad. Striker Billy Davis has signed from Ross Town.

Davis who names Gloucester City amongst his former clubs scored 27 times for Ross Town last season, and the 27-year-old striker has signed for the Town despite competition from Doc Martens side Cinderford.

Joining Davis is midfielder Craig Williams, 24, who has signed from League of Wales outfit Rhayader, previously with Kidderminster Harriers.

Town have made it a hat-trick of signings this week, when Nathan Owen, 24, also put pen to paper.

Owen, another midfielder, was with Bromyard Town last season and previously with Pershore.

Anson said: "All of these players will improve the squad, Billy is a proven goalscorer and Craig has been playing at a higher level and will clearly be an asset.

"We have also been interested in Nathan for a couple of years now and we believe he will provide some balance to the midfield we sometimes lacked last season."

Anson did not rule out further signings saying that the club is in discussion with at least two other players.

Another boost for Town is the news that striker Dean Roberts, 21, has also signed on once again.

Town pulled off something of coup when they signed the striker from Evesham United last season, but despite interest from a number of more senior clubs, Roberts has declared himself happy at Malvern and wants to stay.

Anson said: "Dean's attitude and commitment is superb and with the signing of Davis, plus the contracted Lee Hooper, we have three quality strikers."

Town, who expect to name their full squad for 2002/3 by the end of next week, will be sponsored once again this season by Malvern Instruments Limited.

Town have so far arranged the following pre-season friendlies:

July 27, Cheltenham Saracens (A) 3pm; July 30, Shortwood United (A) 7.45pm; August 3, Alveston (A) 3pm; August 6, Harrow Hill (A)7.45pm; August 10, Yate Town (H) 3.00pm.

It is likely that at least one other fixtures will be added to the above.

The Reserves have arranged two friendlies so far, these are:

July 27, Handrahan Timbers (A); August 3, Fairfield Villa (A).