MINEHEAD will include at least four new signings in their squad for the opening match of the season in the first division of the Uhlsport Somerset County Football League - at home to Middlezoy Rovers Reserves on Saturday, August 10 (3.00).

They are George Painter, a centre back who has played for Taunton Town, striker Leon Lofts, and midfielders Sam Jackson and Josh Elston.

However, they will be without experienced striker Guy Burns who has a groin strain and could be out of action for a fortnight.

Minehead have played eight pre-season warm-up games against good opposition, and manager Craig Carr admitted this week: “I can’t wait for the season to start. Playing so many friendlies has meant a lot of hard work.

“But I needed to have a good look at all the players within the club. Now I want to concentrate on the league. Even though we have six or seven players unavailable, we will be fielding a strong side.

“I’m not promising anything - only that I would like to finish higher in the first division than last season.”

Minehead finished tenth last winter after Carr took over as manager for the last ten matches. Middlezoy just missed out on promotion, finishing fifth.