Football
Boss Clarke reshuffles his Robins pack

EVESHAM United manager Matt Clarke has wasted little time in revamping his squad as he bids to lead the Robins back into the Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division at the first time of asking.

Several members of the side which suffered relegation last season have agreed terms for the new campaign, whilst Clarke has also added several exciting new faces to the squad.

Defenders Jared Wilson and Henry Eze, midfielders Leigh Downing and Pedram Ardallany and striker Ben Pugh have all agreed to extend their time with the club.

Perhaps more exciting for Robins fans though, as they hope to cheer their side to promotion in their first season in action at the brand new Spiers and Hartwell Jubilee Stadium, is the number of new signings from higher levels.

Numerous players have switched ranks from Redditch United, including talented goalkeeper Dean Coleman, defender Tesfa Robinson, midfielder Tom Warmer and winger Lee Osborne.

Also on board is former Worcester City striker Luke Corbett, whilst there have also been some departures.

Captain Wayne Daniel has joined Rushall Olympic after a two-and-a-half-year spell with United and keeper Dan Platt and the versatile Simon Fitter have also exited.

Thirty-six-year-old midfielder Neil MacKenzie, who has a wealth of football experience, has agreed to become first team player/coach and replaces Kieran Jackson, who has taken up an assistant manager's role at Tipton Town.

Tomorrow (2.30pm) brings the much anticipated Evesham United versus Manchester United Legends match to officially open the new stadium and a full report and picture spread will appear in next week's Observer.

The following weekend Evesham begin their pre-season campaign with a home match against Newport County on July 14 (3pm).

Hereford United are the visitors on July 17 (7.45pm), before Shrewsbury Town arrive on July 19 (7.45pm).

Cheltenham Town are the visitors on July 21 (3pm), before United make the trip to Malvern Town on July 24 (7.45pm).

Littleton are the visitors to the new ground on Cheltenham Road on July 28 (3pm) and Evesham then travel to face Pershore Town on July 31 (7.30pm).

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