GARY Hackett will continue to build his squad for the new Southern League Central campaign with a double swoop this week.

The Glassboys are set to confirm the signing of goalkeeper Niall Maher as well as a loan deal for Wolves defender Aaron Hayden.

Hayden, who can play centre back or full-back, will be no stranger to the Stour faithful after a successful loan spell at the War Memorial Ground at the end of last season.

Hackett said: "Aaron is a really good defender and has the advantage of already knowing a lot of the lads in the squad. We do need a bit more defensive cover and he offers us that due to his ability to play in a number of positions across the backline.

"I've also been really pleased with how Niall has done over pre-season and it'll be good to get him on board."

The Glassboys will still look to further strengthen their goalkeeping options following the departure of last season's number one Matt Gould.

Hackett is planning to continue discussions with both Raj Gill and Matt Coton before the new campaign gets underway. Both are currently unattached and have featured heavily during pre-season.

Meanwhile, Stour continued their preparations with a 4-0 friendly win over Sutton Coldfield last Saturday. Goals from Leon Broadhurst, Robert Thompson-Brown, Greg Mills and an own goal secured the win.

"I never take anything for granted but it was a pleasing win for us," added Hackett. "Going forwards we have been producing some really good football and scoring some well-worked goals.

"It's still all about making sure we peak at just the right time and hopefully we are on track to do that."

Stour are set to continue their pre-season programme with a match against Worcester City tonight. They will then make a second trip to the Victoria Ground to face Bromsgrove Sporting this Saturday.

Their first game of the season will be at Barwell on Saturday, August 11.