Builth Wells kick off the new Spar Mid Wales League Division One campaign with a testing trip to Berriew tomorrow (Saturday).
New player-manager Jason Samuel said: “This season’s league is as strong as ever with no weak sides and we will have to be prepared to lose games.
“Initially our main aim will be to avoid relegation. We are lacking in experience at this level and it might take time to settle in but I have been delighted with the attitude of the lads so far.”
Last season’s Watson Associates Mid Wales League champs have made some astute signings with Samuel bringing in central defender Gavin Samuel, who captained Builth’s arch rivals Newbridge last season where he was player of the year.
Talented youngsters Shane Pritchard from Penybont United, Greg Lawrence from Rhayader Town and goalkeeper Rhys Hughes, also from Rhayader, to contest the number one spot with Tom Price, have arrived at The Lant Field.
Samuel admits goals could be a problem but has captured the signature of ex-Newbridge frontrunner Tom Rowlands who along with Shane Claridge misses the start of the season through injury. Tom Brown and Daniel Walker return to the squad tomorrow after missing the midweek Summer Cup final victory.
Samuel has also named his management team and will be assisted by former Llandrindod Wells manager Dave Barlow, Danny Bridgeman and Chris Bufton.
There is league action, too, for Newbridge on the opening day of the term but Presteigne are without a game as chairman Alan Randell gets married tomorrow.
Newbridge are at home where they take on Carno, who finished third in last season’s final table. The Villagers are delighted to announce the signing of the much sought after Luke Boundford who returns following a season at Presteigne.
Player-manager Adriano Girolami has kept hold of the highly rated Johnny Samuel despite attention from other clubs while Steve Morgan also remains at the clubm as does ex-Bristol City midfielder Matt Aubrey who has been named as assistant manager.
Girolami has gone for youth bringing in Taran Lewis from Knighton Town and Ryan Robers from Penybont while Dave Bradburn and Sam Hope, who figured in Newbridge’s fine end of season run, are again likely to feature prominently as The Villagers target a top six finish.
Newbridge played six 30 minute sessions in Newport last weekend against Albion Rovers, who finished second in the Gwent County league last season, and Newport YMCA who play in the Welsh League.
Girolami was pleased with the performance and general fitness of his squad and goes into the campaign full of hope following a 2-0 win at Westfields on Tuesday night, Stuart Mills netting both goals.
Presteigne open their campaign on Wednesday night with a trip to Builth Wells. Barry Williams has stepped into the hot seat at Llanandras Park after five seasons in charge of the Reserves but has witnessed a mass exodus of last season’s first team squad with no fewer than six following former manager Tim Broome to Rhayader Town.
Shane Sutton to Newtown and Luke Boundford to Newbridge are other departures while young striker Callum Matthews is sidelined with a broken arm. Several are set to step up from the Reserves and Presteigne, who were hosting Rhosgoch in a friendly last night (Thursday) were beaten 2-0 by Clee Hill in the Ludlow Town Cup on Tuesday night.
Also next Wednesday night, Newbridge play their second home match in five days with newcomers Llanidloes Town the visitors to Penbont.