DUDLEY Town chairman Steve Austin says he is delighted to have kept the majority of last season's squad together.

The Robins have seen a host of their playing staff commit ahead of the coming season meaning manager Nigel Kirkham won't be facing another rebuilding job at The Dell.

Austin said: "We are currently anticipating that around 80 per cent of last season's players will be with us for the start of the new season.

"Pre-season training has already started and the majority have been in and are working well.

"It is great news that we don't have to rebuild again, which is something that we have had to face a lot over the last few years when our best players moved on.

"I think it shows that this group have bought in to what we are trying to achieve here. I'm delighted.

"This will be the first time in a while that we are in a position to try and strengthen the core group of players rather than having to try and find a whole new squad."

Austin confirmed that the club are still on the lookout for new additions if they are right for the team.

"We only want to add people we think are an improvement on what we currently have," he added.

"Keeping a lot of last year's talent gives us that option."

Town have announced a host of pre-season friendly fixtures as they prepare for another season in the West Midlands Premier League.

They will first take on Enville Athletic on Saturday, July 4 at a neutral venue yet to be decided. Three home games will then follow as the big kick-off approaches.

The biggest game will see the Robins welcome former West Bromwich Albion and Dudley Town player Richard Sneekes to The Dell with his side Rushall Olympic.

The Northern Premier League outfit will visit on Wednesday, July 29 (7.30pm).

Games at the Dell against Heath Hayes on August 1 and Wrens Nest on August 5 will follow.

Austin thinks Dudley can improve on last season's 14th place finish.

He said: "The target is to improve again and better last season. There is no reason we can't get that top ten finish.

"A second season together should bring about an improvement in the current group of players. With a few additions on top of that then who knows what we might be capable of. It is an exciting time."

Meanwhile, the club is also busy making strides off the pitch.

A new long-term sponsorship deal will soon be announced and the club's committee has more than doubled since last season's campaign came to an end.