MANAGER Paul Oakes is confident that he will keep the same squad that played so well last season in the Midland Combination Division One.

The Fairfield Villa joint manager has re-signed 13 players so far and expects to entice almost everyone back for the 2006/2007 campaign.

The only departures from Villa's squad are Steve McGlenn and Ian Squires. McGlenn travelled down from Scotland to play but has decided that commuting was too difficult, while Squires has moved into Birmingham.

Oakes said: "We lost Steve and Ian because of things out of our hands like work and location. I've talked to 13 of the players and they are coming back and once I see the rest I'm sure they'll be playing for us next season."

Oakes has also stiffened Villa's defence by adding central midfielder/defender Luke Chance from West Midlands League side Dudley Sports.

"Luke's a big lad who can play in midfield and defence so is a very handy signing for us", added Oakes.

Veteran defender Marin Keight has also committed himself to Villa for the full season. Keight played occassionally for Fairfield but has pledged to be around for the whole season.

Oakes said: "That's great news about Martin, he's an experienced head in a young team."

Fairfield start training for the season on July 8 and have a trip to Minehead planned on July 29.