ASSISTANT manager Matt Clarke is confident Halesowen Town's squad has improved in quality after a busy summer.

The Yeltz will begin the new Northern Premier League season with a trip to Workington this Saturday boasting a host a fresh faces in their ranks.

The squad has been strengthened further this week with three more arrivals.

Striker Roland Agbor has joined from Bilston Town, attacking midfielder Ben Clarke has returned to the Grove on-loan from Kidderminster Harriers after a successful spell last term and former Crewe Alexandra central midfielder Joe Howell has also signed.

They are added to Alexander Woodhouse, Jack Kelly, James Spray and Luke Shearer, as well as the returning Jordan Goddard.

Clarke said: "Looking at the team compared to the last game of last season, I think it's clear to see we have come a long way.

"We're really happy with the players we have been able to bring into the club and the extra quality they bring to the squad.

"I think we'd still like another striker and one more defender but we'll keep looking for the right people.

"Overall, we're happy heading into the first game and looking forward to the season."

Clarke is keen to improve on last season and is keen to make sure the club stay well clear of any relegation worries.

He added: "Workington is going to be a tough start but we'll go there and work hard and would be happy to come back with any sort of result. We'll certainly go there believing we can get something.

"I won't make any bold predictions for the season because we're just going to try and keep improving again. Last year was a poor season so the first thing will be to make sure we are well away from the relegation fight this time around."

The Yeltz ended their final pre-season friendly with a 3-1 win at home to Spalding United last Saturday.

Goals from Danny Bragoli, James Spray and Luke Shearer handed them a confidence-boosting success.

The first home game of the new season will see Halesowen welcome Barwell to the Grove next Tuesday (7.45pm kick-off).