ALMONDSBURY Town manager Paul Weeks has re-grouped and re-shaped his side for the challenge of a new season and is now down to the fine tuning.

Three players have moved on but the remainder have committed themselves to Town and have been complemented by a handful of new signings.

Marcus Mapstone has gone to Yate, Paul Metheringham has returned to Yate and Town will be without the services of Matt Emrey who has embarked on a world cruise.

On the plus side, Weeks is very pleased to have secured utility mid-fielder Danny Harries from Clevedon. “He is a true pro, said Weeks, “and will be good for the young lads.”

Centre-backs Jacob Guy from Caldicot Town and Will Steadman, Shortwood, Gloucester City and Cinderford have joined ship as has another centre-back – John Locke from Brislington.

Utility player Chris Davies (Team Bath) has enlisted as has goalkeeper Ben John (Weston).

Two young midfielders from Bristol Rovers Academy, Bobby Massey and Jordan Young have also joined the squad.

Weeks is well pleased with his team but knows it will be a hard season. “There are better sides in the league this year,” he said, “ and we will need to apply ourselves.”

But he thinks this could work in Almondsbury’s favour, saying: “Last year it was us, Hungerford and North Leigh.

“We amassed 96 points, lost only four games, drew eight or nine and still did not go up which shows the lack of depth in the league last season.

“But clubs will now have to raise their game more often and not just against the top three.”

Almondsbury’s league season starts next Tuesday, August 12 with an away trip to Wantage Town.

“We have done well against them the previous two seasons,” said Weeks, “but everybody’s top for the first game and it will be a tough start against a big side. We cant wait to get started.”