SLIMBRIDGE boss Leon Sterling will have a larger squad at his disposal for his side’s second Western League Premier Division campaign.

Amongst four new signings is former boss James Cole, who will also assist Sterling along with last season’s number two Fred Ward.

The left back led the Swans to three promotions during his spell as boss, taking them from the Northern Senior League to the Hellenic League Premier Division before moving away from the area, but he now lives in Bristol and has decided to rejoin the club.

Stiker Jamie Hammond will be in line to make his league debut for Slimbridge when they take on Gillingham Town at Wisloe Road on the opening day of the season on Saturday.

Brothers Richard and Ryan Thwaite, who are both defenders, have also signed from Shortwood United, following striker Sean Lawson, who made the same move towards the end of last season.

Sterling said: “We looked at who to recruit before the summer started so I’m pleased they all decided to join us.

“We were lucky enough to keep everybody. We’ve got a pretty handy squad for the season coming.”

The County League campaign also gets underway this weekend, with the first round of the Reg Davis Memorial Cup signalling the start of the Northern Senior League season.