AMESBURY'S new manager Dave Coker has had a busy summer assembling a side for their forthcoming Wessex League Division One campaign, which starts on Saturday away at Ringwood Town.

Coker said: "Retention of players was very important to me as Amesbury have a very good young crop of players that given time will develop and establish themselves at Wessex League level.

"My personal expectation is that we must establish ourselves as a strong side after last season's relegation and would hope for a top five finish."

Tuesday night, saw Amesbury finish their pre-season away to Pewsey losing 3-2 as Nic Turpin and Jordan Matthews were on target.

Last Saturday, they drew 1-1 with Sherborne with Ryan Elliot their goal scorer.

Before this have enjoyed a number of good wins 8-1 over Overton as well as 3-1 victories over Devizes and Wessex Premier new boys Tadley Calleva.

Of last season's squad goalkeeper Sam Coppard, defenders Connor Palmer, Dan Beckles, Matt Sherfield, George Higgins and Marcus Roper all return, while in midfielders Ryan Elliott, Luke Greenway, Connor Millar, Emmanuel Adepitan and Craig Jennings are all back, as is Jake Allen up front.

Seven players are returning to Amesbury they are new club captain centre half Jack Vallis, attacking midfielders Tyler Brockway and Danny Finnigan, defender Jordon Mathews and strikers Harry Beckley and Jordan Mathews, while Tom Plant is back from injury.

New signings are centre forward Robbie Owen from Andover New Street, centre half Michael Owen from Ludgershall, Centre half or full back Charlie Blake from Salisbury, midfielder Lee Weeks from Shrewton,

Also added are Charlie Jackson in midfield and Kent Kauppinen from Shaftesbury can play either in goal or in midfield.

New first team goalkeeper is Carl Crabtree who joins from Frome and Dave Cardus is another goalie from Chippenham.