EVESHAM United are set to add 10 more players within the next week as preparations gather pace ahead of the new campaign.

Manager Paul Collicutt says the Robins are looking to start pre-season with a 20-man squad and he is confident they are making good progress.

Contracted striker Adam Mann, midfielders Nick Stanley and Ashley Williams and forward Carl Brown have agreed to stay, while winger Elliot Kennedy has returned to the Jubilee Stadium.

Keeper Sam Gilder and versatile Jordan Bryan have also joined from Bishops Cleeve with midfielders Lorcan Sheehan and Joe Turley moving from Cinderford Town.

But Collicutt admits he is still working hard to bring more new names to the Robins, who return to training next Tuesday.

“We have signed about 10 players but we are looking to work with a squad of between 18 and 20, so we are still trying to sign another 10,” Collicutt said.

“We would like to think the bulk of them would be in by the start of pre-season.

“But we have got a few trialists coming next Tuesday as well, so they will have a chance to prove themselves.”

Collicutt said he was delighted to welcome back Kennedy and believes all his new recruits can make a big difference.

“Elliot was with us when I first came to the club but he had a few things happening in his personal life and his work commitments were different then,” Collicutt said.

“So he feels he has got some unfinished business at the club.

“Jordan is a very gifted footballer, who can play in various positions, Sam will give us back-up to big Kevin (Sawyer) and Joe and Lorcan will strengthen our midfield.

“So I am confident we have a strong squad.”

Collicutt believes Evesham have managed to capitalise on their successful appeal to remain in Southern League Division One South and West.

United looked set to be controversially transferred to Northern Premier League Division One South before the decision was overturned by the FA.

“It was a big sigh of relief and certainly the atmosphere around the club is far happier now,” he said.

“The last two-and-a-half weeks have been very difficult for everybody connected with the club.

“But we were given a big lift when the decision came through.

“Things would have been a lot more difficult if we had been transferred into the northern division.

“So we are delighted that comment sense prevailed.”