BOURTON ROVERS begin their pre-season campaign with a visit to Winchcombe this afternoon (kick-off 2pm).

The Hellenic League Div Two West champions were unable to take their promotion because the Rissington Road ground failed to meet Hellenic League criteria in terms of floodlights and undercover seating.

But manager Scott Powles is hopeful they will be in a position to move up a league for the 2018/19 season.

"We have a working group who are totally focused on securing the necessary improvements ahead of the 2018/19 season," said Powles.

"We have a local business development morning in September to encourage support for the project too."

Powles is delighted with the squad he is assembling during the close season.

"Last season's leading scorer Adam Webley is returning, as is Chris Mills and Connor Teague. Other good news is that Charlie Vinton is available all season after work commitments last campaign and Danny Way has returned from university and is available.

"I have also signed a very promising 18-year-old attacking midfielder, Arron Windsor, while three more teenage players – centre forward Jake Oakey and midfielders Finn Stanton and Jake Robotham – put pen to paper after training this week.

"All three are outstanding players with pace, skill and a great understanding of the game. Robotham is formerly a youth player with Forest Green Rovers.

"I am looking forward to blending youth in our squad this campaign and hopefully playing a more attacking brand of football.

"Sam Mattock is currently trialling at a higher-level club but I am hopeful he will remain a Rovers player.

"I have also brought in a fitness coach Tony Inwood this season and he is making a massive difference already."

Bourton Rovers train on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6.45pm at the Rissington Road ground and Powles would welcome new players ahead of the coming season.

Rovers run three senior teams, a ladies' team and a girls' team, along with an expanding youth set-up.

After the visit to Winchcombe today they play Hollybush at North Leigh on Wednesday, July 26, New College Swindon at home on Tuesday, August 1 and they are away to Didcot Town on Saturday, August 5.

Chris Hughes, who made 13 appearances for Rovers last season, is otherwise engaged at the moment on the hit TV series Love Island.