MANAGER Dave King challenged Tividale's trialling hopefuls to cement a place in his plans ahead of tougher warm-up matches on the horizon.

King is facing a rebuild after last season's relegation from the Midland League Premier Division but has managed to snap up players with suitable experience.

Midfielder Curtis Cocking had been drafted in from Dudley Sports with Joe Lawley signed up despite having a run out for Stourport Swifts at the weekend. Defender Tom Busby has enjoyed spells at Redditch United, Sutton Coldfield Town and Boldmere St Michaels.

But while the Beeches boss is bullish about the new campaign, he insists it is too early to start setting lofty targets on the back of finishing bottom by 10 points last term.

"There is a good feel about them place at the moment," said King. "After last season we would like to be as competitive as possible but there are a few things to get over the line in terms of players.

"We still have three friendlies for us to take another look at certain lads and for them to look at us. The games so far have been good, a few of the old faces have left and there has been a bit of a turnaround but the new lads look decent.

"I have been impressed with Curtis along with Brad Whelan in the middle, Joe has plenty of experience in the non-league game with a few clubs and Tom has been involved with clubs higher up the ladder.

"We have kept the young lads from last season. They now have the benefit of some experience and along with the boys on trial, who we will make decisions on over the next week, we hope to have a good season."

Tivi play three friendlies in eight days, hosting Lye Town on Saturday (3pm) before travelling to Kinver next Tuesday (July 25, 7pm) and finish by entertaining AFC Wulfrunians on Saturday, July 29 (3pm).

"It will be good to have a step up in class," added King. "They will be good tests and with them being local games we hope to see a few people there."