LYDNEY team manager Gordon Sargent is upbeat about rugby prospects at Regentsholme this season.

All bar two of last season's squad have signed up for National League Three action starting next month and a handful of new players will be contesting first team spots.

Sargent is hoping for at least one more front row player to add strength in depth to the squad following the summer departure of Mark James to Reading and Andy Isaacs to Henley.

New on the scene will be Newbury fullback Adam Westall and others expected to make an impact are Rob Sargent who will challenge for a midfield spot, Brett Scrivens, who was with Stourbridge last season, and former Drybrook lock Dale Critchley who has already impressed with his fitness.

"They will all play in both trials games," said Sargent who described the preseason preparations as "rosy."

"We were disappointed to lose two props so we are hoping to sign at least one more to strengthen the squad. However we are optimistic former captain Nick Bartlett will play.

"He is contracted to Plymouth and will obviously play for them when required but they are happy for him to sign with us and that is a bonus," said Sargent.

Skipper Paul Price is likely to play hooker rather than prop this season and Dave Arnott will make the running for the scrum-half spot. However Julian Davis and Nick Nelmes are both training and looking forward to full seasons, probably coming off the bench.

Coaching duties are under the watchful eye of Pat Kiely assisted by Gareth Hughes.

Two trial games have been arranged – away to Clifton on August 17 and home to Kettering on August 24.