THE majority of last season's Yate Town squad is expected to return to training with the club this Saturday as they begin their preparations for the new season.

Although captain Mike Bryant, Tom Seery and Connor Clifford have departed to promoted Paulton Rovers, Yate are set to make "some quality additions" according to club secretary Terry Tansley.

Southern League fixtures are due out on July 17, and the league season starts on August 9 with several different clubs competing in the South and West Division.

AFC Totton and Bashley FC have been relegated from the Premier Division, whilst FA Vase winners Sholing, Larkhall Athletic and Wantage Town have all been promoted from the feeder leagues.

The club have arranged an attractive programme of pre-season friendly matches, the highlights being visits to Lodge Road by the full Swindon Town first team squad on Friday, July 11 (7.30pm) and Bristol City under-21s (3pm) on Saturday, July 26.

They also have a home game to look forward to against Conference South side Bath City (Saturday, August 2, 3pm) with trips to Brislington (Thursday, July 24, 7.30pm) and Cadbury Heath (Wednesday, July 30, 7pm).