It’s been a hectic introduction to the role of Town boss for Darren Byfield as he set about putting together his squad for Town’s forthcoming campaign in the newly formed Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Central Division.

His immediate priority was to replace last term’s leading scorer Ben Stephens who had been snapped up by League Two club Macclesfield Town, while for the third season in succession Town were looking for a new keeper following Louis Connor’s move to Redditch United.

After trialling a number of keepers in the pre-season friendlies he eventually turned to the hugely experienced Nathan Vaughan from Solihull Moors to replace Connor while he has recruited Wilson Carvalho and Nabil Shariff as strikers with Shariff in particular catching the eye with some impressive finishing during the friendlies schedule.

Other new signings include the return to Town of the popular left back Kieren Westwood plus defenders Jamie McAteer and Jordan Williams and midfielders Claudio Dias, Kynan Isaac, Callum Powell and Lewis Wils

But in addition to Benn Stephens and Louis Connor several more of last season’s squad have inevitably moved on.    Charlie Evans, Justin Marsden, Loyiso Recci and Lee Thomas have linked up with  previous boss Carl Adams to Rugby Town, while Liam “Spider” Francis has followed Connor to Redditch.

Byfield though will be keen to extend Town’s recent run of positive results in opening games of the season.   Since being promoted to the Southern League in 2013 Town have won four and drawn one of their five opening day fixtures and more of the same against St Neots at the Arden Garages Stadium on Saturday will do very nicely indeed ahead of a potentially challenging visit to Stourbridge on Monday evening.