SLIMBRIDGE have seen several changes to their playing personnel as the season reaches the end of its first quarter, with an excellent squad now assembled for the Hellenic Premier League challenge.

'Bridge remain four points clear at the top of the league table, an advantage still intact despite the club playing in the GFA Trophy over the weekend. The team has still only lost two league games so far and, in an attempt to strengthen the challenge that fans hope will see the club playing Dr Martens football next season, manager Doug Gray has added two more top names to his impressive squad.

Centre back Adam Paul was unveiled at Wisloe Road several weeks ago, and is a quality signing for the club. The highly talented defender, a rock-like figure who can also operate as a sweeper, is a veteran Hellenic campaigner who will bring a wealth of experience to the club.

Paul is actually in his second spell at Wisloe, having figured briefly last season, and has been signed from local rivals Shortwood United, for whom he played a blinder against Slimbridge in the 0-0 draw played out in August.

He is perhaps best known as the former player-manager of County League Whitminster, who folded last season, prompting Paul to move on. Now, he will be able to form a formidable three-man central defensive block alongside regular twin towers Andy Pritchett and Ashley Thomas or, alternatively, play as a sweeper just behind them.

Another fine addition to the set-up is Brad Thomas, who signed recently having been released by Gloucester City. A gifted midfielder, Thomas is a former Forest Green Rovers, Weston-super-Mare and Sharpness star who had seen little action so far this season and subsequently is a little short of full match fitness. His presence should compliment a midfield that is already bustling with talent and energy, with Rich Moore, Fred Ward, Ross and Matt Casey, Gary Marshall and Steve Badham all vying for places.

Going the other way are Matt Green and Kacey Johnstone, who have both left the club. Attacker Johnstone, a favourite over the years at Wisloe, has joined fellow Premier League high-flyers Tuffley Rovers, having been unable to command a regular starting place in the team.

Midfielder Green has signed for Fairford Town for similar reasons, despite enjoying a good, goalscoring spell at 'Bridge having signed in the summer from Shortwood. Both have left with the best wishes of the club.

For now, though, Gray has some top talent assembled as he attempts to maintain 'Bridge's position at the summit of the Hellenic League.