BASINGSTOKE Town will be hoping to start their final campaign at the Camrose, with a victory on Saturday, when Frome Town visit in the Southern League Premier League opener.

The Dragons have had a busy pre-season ahead of their second campaign in the Southern League and will be looking to move up from their 12th place finish last season.

Town manager Terry Brown certainly has this in mind and said: “You always want to improve on where you finished last time, but at the moment I am still trying to sign a squad of players. If I end up with who I want, I think we will have a good season, if not it is going to be tough.”

The Town boss was hoping last night’s membership sign-on evening for the community club went well, so he would be able to sign some more players before Saturday’s game.

He is also hoping to have Ashleigh Artwell back from injury, but fellow midfielder Sam Deadfield is set to miss the first fortnight of action, but another midfield Dan Collier returned this week, having been set to leave the club.

Town signed players so far are Aaron Jarvis, Charlie Kennedy and George Bennett from last year’s team, while new signing are Dan Bayliss, Shane Hollamby, Jordan Goater, Sam Smart and Ben Wright. Academy players Harry Long, Charlie McCann, Kieran Rodgers and Will Shaw have joined the first team.

On Monday, Town are away at Dorchester.

Anyone who missed last night’s Fans Forum and wants to to become a member of the community club can do so online at the club’s website or in the clubhouse on Saturday from 1.30pm, where committee member Steve Williams will have electronic and manual sign up options.