GJ SINGH has continued his Barnt Green Spartak re-build by bringing in nine new acquisitions ahead of the start of the 2017/18 Midland League Division Two campaign.
After deciding against folding the club earlier in the summer, the Lions boss has been busy assembling a competitive squad for the new season.
With more than 30 players regularly attending training sessions so far, Singh has already snapped up a number of new faces to achieve his targets.
Young striker Cameron Jones, who scored 23 goals in the Central Warwickshire Youth League for Wychall Wanders Juniors, and 21-year-old centre-back Sean Keeley, from Kings Heath Concorde, have been labelled as ones for the future.
Former Spartak goalkeeper Colin Matthews returns following spells at Fairfield Villa and Northfield Town last season while regular Sunday league midfielder Ryan Moulton also signs.
Attacking midfielder Jordan Smart has made the move from West Midlands (Regional) League outfit Cradley Town and Tory Herbert joins from Cadbury Athletic.
Meanwhile, forward Dominic Strevens, full-back Reece Kindon and Luke Myatt switch from Bartley Green Continental of the Birmingham AFA Premier Division.
“These new lads are going to bring a lot of hunger to the club,” said Singh.
“By the looks of thing these lads want to turn up and play which is a completely different feel to last season.
“This kind of commitment is what we have been used to.
“I was so close to calling it a day but the enthusiasm and love for grassroots football these lads have got show I made the right decision to keep Spartak going.”
Spartak were involved in their first pre-season friendly on Saturday when they drew 2-2 against Leicester side GNG FC.
All the goals were scored in the first half with Strevens and Herbert netting on their debut.
With 26 players at his disposal on Saturday, Singh was able to field two squads and was left pleased by a positive display.
“In the first half I thought we were very impressive,” he said.
“GNG had more pre-season preparations than ourselves so I knew fitness would play a part.
“It was a learning curve for us and some of the players are not quite up to the level we require.
“With the fact we have so many players, in a couple of week’s time I am going to have to trim the squad down to 16 or 17 but it is going to be difficult.”
Spartak travel to Coventry Alliance side AFC Binley on Saturday before a home clash against Paget Rangers on Tuesday night.
Landlords Highgate United are the next opponents the following Tuesday (July 25).
Meanwhile, the Lions have been given a home tie against Midland League Division One title hopefuls Walsall Wood in the first qualifying round of the FA Vase on Saturday, September 9.
The winners will face Cradley Town or Bromyard Town in the next round on Saturday, September 23.
“It’s one of the toughest draws we could have asked for at this stage of the competition,” said Singh.
“But at the end of the day that is why we are in the tournament, for fixtures like this.
“The lads will want to test themselves as we have got nothing to lose.
“We can go out there and enjoy ourselves and give Walsall a real good game.”
