TIVIDALE boss Ross Thorpe is keeping tight-lipped on this summer’s arrivals at The Beeches.

Thorpe and fellow joint manager Phil Male have assured fans that the basis of next season’s squad is now in place but were keen to keep their cards close to their chest until the players are officially registered with the league next week.

“We have made signings, one or two of which are quite exciting,” said Thorpe.

“But we have decided not to announce anything until they have been registered.

“I have seen it all before. Players agree to sign, it is announced and then they suddenly move on because someone else has come in and offered them a better deal knowing they are available.

“It is not something we are going to risk.”

The management duo at The Beeches have been faced with the task of bringing on a whole new squad after the majority of last season’s playing staff followed former boss Ian Long to Alvechurch.

They were left with no players after most joined Long and others attracted interest from clubs higher in the football pyramid.

Skipper Richard Huckfield, Zac Foster, Karl Edwards, Chris Field, Paul Evans, Andy Parsons, Ryan Winwood, Sam Williams, David Bellis, Danny Priest, Luke Paskin, Danny Ashton, Leigh Downing, Mike Wardle, Mark Smith and Nigel Penny have all gone to Lye Meadow.

Striker Jordan Archer also left to go to Redditch United while goalkeeper Charlie Price moved to Stourbridge.

However, Thorpe and Male have been busy getting a new squad together in the last five weeks since they took charge of the Northern Premier League Division One South side.

Tividale’s new arrivals gathered on Tuesday for their first training session together.

The group was also boosted by four youngsters from Tivi’s development squad that were invited to join the first team.

“I have been watching the development squad in action recently and it is clear that there are young players involved with the team that could offer something to the first team,” added Thorpe.

“We have asked four of them to join us so we can have a closer look at them before the season starts. Now is the time for us to do that.

“We are all very keen to get started again now. It feels like a long time since we took charge but we can now get onto the pitch and start working with the players we have brought in.

“Finally the wait is over and we can get to work preparing the side.”

Tividale’s early bird season ticket deal ended today but tickets can still be purchased at a slightly higher rate until August 14. A full ticket at The Beeches costs £115 and £65 for concessions. Visit the club’s website to order.