ELEVEN new players are preparing to lead the Dabbers' Division One promotion charge with the North West Counties League kicking off in a fortnight, writes Paul Newham.
Manager Steve Davis has rung the changes in the close season after seeing his side finish a disappointing 16th last time out.
The Nantwich Town boss admitted that his side lacked quality and experience all round the pitch last year, and has worked tire-lessly in the transfer market throughout pre-season to make sure his team are ready for an assault on the top half of the table this term.
The signs so far have been very encouraging for the Jackson Avenue outfit. They won their opening pre-season friendly 2-1 at Kidsgrove, and played well despite a 1-0 loss to Stafford Rangers at Keele University on Saturday.
Davis said: 'I'm very excited with what we've brought in so far. I brought the players back very early because I thought it was important to give the new players time to gel, and we have been doing a lot of intensive fitness work to make sure we're on top of our game right from the start of the season.
'The game against Kidsgrove was a big plus, we managed to give all the players a run out and they looked good. It's certainly looking a lot better than last season's side already, there is a lot more experience in there and we should do a lot better.'
Davies grabbed five of his new signings from Staffordshire rivals Stone, and is pleased to have secured the services of players with a proven track record in Division One.
He said: 'We talked to the Stone boys almost as soon as the season ended and they were all keen to come.
'Full-backs Chris Rowley and Paul Taylor are both ex-Port Vale and both have great quality, and Wayne Teague is a quick, versatile wide attacking player who used to be at Stoke City.
'Richard Smith can play anywhere at the back, and Stuart Scheuber is an excellent little player who will give us some real quality in the middle of the pitch.'
Davis continued his raids in Staffordshire as he secured the services of giant 6ft 7ins goal-keeper Lloyd Parry from the lower leagues and midfielder Adam Beesley from Newcastle Town.
He has also brought in Nick Holland from Eccleshall and striker James Marrow - a former Crewe Alex trainee alongside Dabbers hitman Matt Blake - from Biddulph Victoria.
Two captures from closer to home are midfield man Phil Parkinson and centre forward Mark Grice from South Cheshire rivals Alsager.
Davis said: 'We've also brought in Peter Orr as assistant manager. He was at Vale last season coaching the U15 side and is excellent - he's another good addition.
'We've got a tough start against Bacup and Skelmersdale, but we've got to be ready to be at our best whoever we meet.
'We will be fit and organised and the lads are really excited, they are really enjoying their football at the moment.'
Nantwich take on Witton Albion at Jackson Avenue on Saturday (3pm), before travelling for a friendly at Norton on Tuesday.
