ALSAGER Town boss Greg Clowes is ready for the challenge ahead after a swift spell of summer dealing.

Clowes was in no mood to hang around after last season's promotion from the North West Counties League, and got busy to strengthen his squad.

He has snapped up strikers Joe Gibiliru and Lee Madin from St Helens, midfielder Danny Smith from Stone Dominoes, and defender Andy Parkinson from Witton Albion.

Further boosts arrived in the form of influential full-back Dean Stokes, who has postponed his retirement for another year, and centre-half Mark Parry, who has rejoined the club after completing his training for the police force.

Ryan Dicker, Carl Espley and Peter Heler have all penned contracts at Fairview Avenue, meaning Wayne Brotherton, who has joined Kids-grove, is the only player to exit.

That has left Clowes more than happy with what he has got. He said: 'That'll be it now unless a potential signing comes up and smacks me between the eyes.

'Those players can play at this level and will bring a lot to the club. Only Danny Smith has something to prove, but I know he can do it.

'Mark Parry is the best defender I've ever had at this club, so his return is massive for us. And Dean Stokes deciding to stay is also huge as the lads look to him as a leader.

'Some people have said we will be happy with fourth from bottom next season, but I think they'll be surprised. We can hold our own.'

Gibiliru is a 25-year-old goal-scoring midfielder who can also play up front. He hit the net 14 times for St Helens last season. Former Witton man Madin, 23, was also with St Helens and scored 22 goals despite not featuring until the second half of the season.

Smith, 21, captained Stone last term, while Parkinson impressed at left-back during a loan spell at the Town Ground last season.

The squad got back into training yesterday in readiness for their pre-season friendlies. They face Football League newcomers Accrington Stanley at the Town Ground on July 12, and will be at home to a Stoke City side on July 20.

Alsager travel to Connah's Quay on July 22 and play the Mid Cheshire Senior Cup final, held over from last season, away to either Northwich Victoria or Witton Albion, on July 27. Games with Norton United and Stafford Rangers are also lined up.