MARTIN Thomas has hailed the team spirit at Lye Town on the eve of the new season.

Thomas and fellow joint-boss Craig Harris, who replaced the outgoing Darren Goodall over the summer, have only added three new faces to the side after the majority of last season's squad committed once again.

Jacob Wedderburn, Connor Collins and Ben Love have all joined the ranks and youth team player Jake Cadney will now be more involved with the first team.

Thomas is hopeful that continuity will be key to helping his side mount a promotion push in the Midland Football League Premier Division.

He said: "The biggest plus for us has been the fact that the group has chosen to stick together and stay at Lye Town.

"We haven't needed to add too many new players because most from last season have stayed with us.

"That says a lot about the players and the spirit we have. They could earn more money somewhere else but have chosen to stay.

"Our aim is to be up there and in the mix with the top sides. There are some big clubs in this league and many have a lot more resources than Lye Town but hopefully we can start well."

Lye will kick-off their campaign with a trip to Highgate United this Saturday (3pm).

It's the first of five consecutive away games for Town due to the cricket club still using their Stourbridge Road ground.

Highgate will be followed by a trip to Stourport Swifts next Tuesday (7.45pm).