PERSHORE Town will throw open its first pre-season training session to all comers in a bid to unearth hidden gems ahead of the new campaign.

Anyone aged 16 or over can take part at Town’s King George V Playing Fields headquarters on Wednesday, June 20 (6.30pm).

The move follows hot on the heels of manager Quentin Townsend’s departure with Paul Harris, his assistant last season, taking the reins.

Harris acknowledged “mainly the younger players” would be on his radar when it came to retaining last season’s squad on the back of his predecessor claiming Town’s “ambition had completely changed”.

Chairman Daniel Parvin, who previously acknowledged he “would prefer to bring down the cost” of playing expenses, politely declined to comment on whether the budget had been reduced or axed completely.

“We are putting together a package that involves away travel being supplied by the club, perhaps shared transport via coach or minibus,” said Parvin.

“The whole point is to build team spirit off the pitch as much as on it. We’re looking at other perks of playing for Pershore Town that might not be financial.”

As for the open session, Parvin explained the club had deliberately sought to avoid formal trials with any standout candidates set to be invited back on Saturday, June 23.

“Paul has a core group of players, some of whom played for us last season,” said Parvin.

“He is part of a four-man coaching team and they all have a few players they would like to bring in.

“The idea is to give local people the opportunity to come down and get involved. Some lads from our junior teams will join in with invitations for those who want to take part in the second session.

“People are welcome to come along even if they have no intention of playing for us, they may just want to see whether they are up to the standard.

“They may go on to another team out of choice.”