Avenue play their opening pre-season friendly tomorrow and manager Phil Sharpe may have to introduce everyone to each other in the warm-up after making a host of new signings since returning from holiday last Monday.

The signatures of two former Guiseley skippers have been captured and a third player has joined and been handed the role of club captain.

However, it has not all gone the way of the Avenue management, with three players having departed Horsfall Stadium.

"We want to use the game against Dudley Town to have a look at a few people," said Sharpe ahead of the Midland outfit's visit.

"Pre-season is not about results, although it would be nice to get off to a win in front of the supporters.

"I was a bit disappointed when I found out Lee Harper and Martin Thacker had left the club. They come from the Hull area and have signed for Goole. They are paying money similar to us but the players can be there in 25 minutes from their homes.

"Things like that can be the deciding factor. It's probably why we lost Paul Robinson to Ilkeston Town. The moves were all done and dusted by the time I got home from holiday and at the end of the day, if that's the way they want it, I don't want them at the club.

"I think the new signings have that desire. James Nettleton has come on board - he was captain at Guiseley when I was up there and he was voted player of the year.

"He had a bad year with injuries and then moved on to Silsden, where we have signed him from.

"We have also got Jez Illingworth, who was Guiseley skipper last season. I had to have a word with my old friend Neil Parsley (Guiseley manager) before I signed him because I didn't want to tread on anyone's toes.

"It was down to the player, he wanted a move after he felt he hadn't produced anywhere near his best form in the season just gone and was looking for a fresh challenge.

"Lee Connor will need no introduction to our fans. They will remember him well because of the amount of games he has played for Avenue. Lee will be club captain. He has the respect and authority that the other players will respond to.

"All of them are fantastic additions to the club."