HALESOWEN Town chairman Colin Brookes says fans need to be patient as manager John Hill endeavours to strengthen his squad.

The Yeltz welcomed former Aldershot and Northampton Town defender Anthony Charles to the club last week and remain in the hunt for further additions.

Charles is a highly experienced left-sided defender having played over 180 games for Aldershot between 2008 and 2011.

Since then he has played for Northampton Town, Plymouth Argyle, Luton Town and Worcester City last season.

Hill has had to set up his search for new faces after the loss of five key players already this summer.

Defenders Curtis Tilt and Kristian Green, midfielders Tom Tonks and Aaron Forde and forward Ben Haseley have all left The Grove.

Brookes said: "John is working very hard to bring in new players but is keen to get the right people.

"Now is a time for patience as you wait for those targets.

"I gather that he could have signed about 20 players by now but is making sure he gets people that are right for the team.

"I know he would have liked to have kept some of the players that have left, but he was also keen to make changes regardless.

"We didn't end last season well and the derby win against Stourbridge could have tempted us to paper over the cracks a little."

Brookes said he believes Hill is still looking to add to his defence, especially in the full-back areas, and wants more central midfield options.

Hales have already welcomed new players in midfielder Ashley Parsons Smith and strikers Connor Collins, Greg Pearson and Mike Taylor.

Regulars from last season in the form Matthew Sargeant, captain Joe Hull, Aaron Griffiths, Asa Charlton and Danny Bragoli will all be part of Halesowen's 2015/16 squad. However, uncertainty still surrounds the future of forward Iyseden Christie.

Meanwhile, former Yeltz assistant Trevor Burroughs has joined Sutton Coldfield Town.

The experienced coach links up with Royals boss and long-term friend Neil Tooth.