ECCLESHILL United started pre-season training last Tuesday but there will be a lot of practice involved as they have just four friendly fixtures booked in.

A change of manager took a few weeks out of their close season and work on the playing surface and surrounds at the Rapid Solicitors Stadium meant they were further restricted in time to make arrangements.

New Eagles boss Mark Greaves explained: "It was quite late when we started to organise the pre-season schedule but we have got four friendly games that should give us the work the players need.

"All four of the games are away from home, which isn't the best for the club or the supporters, but I'm happy with the standard of the teams we'll play.

"Unfortunately there has been quite a lot of work going on at the ground and its not going to be ready to stage a game until the first week in August, which is when the league starts.

"I say unfortunately but that just means that pre-season was difficult. The pitch and the ground improvements will be good for us in the long run. I'm sure we'll be okay for the first league game."

There was a good turn-out for the club's first training session back with Greaves and his two colleagues.

Greaves was assistant manager at top-tier Northern Counties East League outfit Liversedge last term and with the contacts he, the experienced Sean Regan and Hayden Lobley have, there has been a lot of interest from prospective new players.

"We have an open pre-season training and players are still welcome to come along if they think they can contribute at this level," said Greaves.

"But going into the season, we're looking to settle on a solid 16 or 18-man squad of players that are able to compete in this division to push the club on."