EVESHAM United manager Paul Collicutt says his focus is on keeping as many of last season’s squad as possible.

The Robins boss spent the summer of 2014 building a new squad and surprised many by clinching second spot in Evo-Stik Southern League Division One South and West behind runaway leaders Merthyr Town.

Despite losing 3-0 in the play-off semi-finals to Larkhall Athletic and missing out on promotion, Collicutt will this time look to maintain the status quo while adding just a handful of new signings.

The former Bishops Cleeve manager, who took over the Robins in November 2013, said: “I have hopefully got a good base to build from, which I didn’t have last season.

“If we can keep the base and strengthen the side with two or three additions, then I will be a very happy man.

“I would like to keep the bulk of the squad together whereas last season I needed to bring in 10 or 11 new players.

“The problem I’ve got is, having had a reasonably successful season, it creates interest from other clubs in some of our players.

“I’m in the process of talking to the players and nobody at the moment has knocked me back so I am hopeful.”

United report back for pre-season training next Thursday at 6.30pm for a 7pm start.

They have added further friendlies at home to Midland League side Westfields on Tuesday, August 4 (7.45pm), and Southern League Division One Central outfit Petersfield Town on Saturday, August 1 (3pm).

Meanwhile, United’s season-ticket prices will stay the same for the fourth year running.

An adult ticket covering all league games at the Spiers and Hartwell Jubilee Stadium in the 2015-16 campaign will cost £140 and £75 for concessions.

For £10 more, a seat can be reserved in the main stand for the whole season.

Match-day prices will be £9 for adults, £5 for concessions and £3 for under 16s.

Tickets can be obtained by calling the club on 01386-442303 or Mike Peplow on 07889-011539.

EVESHAM’S FRIENDLIES

Saturday, July 11 – 3pm Gosport Borough (a); Tuesday, July 14 – 7.45pm Cheltenham Town (h); Thursday, July 16 – 7.45pm Stratford Town (h); Monday, July 20 – 7.45pm Worcester City (h, Worcestershire FA Senior Cup semi-final); Tuesday, July 28 – 7.45pm Littleton (h); Saturday, August 1 – 3pm Petersfield Town (h); Tuesday, August 4 – 7.45pm Westfields (h).