Andover Town boss Neil Benson welcomes his squad back from their short close season break this Thursday in preparation for his club’s debut in the Wessex League Premier Division.

Benson expects the bulk of last season’s successful side who had such a fine maiden campaign to be available again and has already been contacted by a number of players ahead of the start of training which takes place at Sparsholt College on Thursday at 6.45pm.

Benson said: “Andover Town welcome any players who would improve the depth of the squad and they should contact me on 07860150075. ‘We are still looking to firm up a couple more friendlies and may well be spitting the squads in some cases. The FA Vase draw comes out on Friday and once we know who we have in that, then we can begin to plan for the start of the new season in earnest.”

Having been in existence for just a year the club will make its debut in the Vase, which has its final at Wembley Stadium, and this will hopefully lead to a place in the FA Cup a year from now.

Benson is hoping to have an away friendly at Hamworthy United in late July while the Portway pitch continues to be prepared.