LEE SPALDING will not be making a hasty return to his former club Highworth when Cirencester Town travel to their Wiltshire neighbours for a pre-season clash.

Spalding, one of the first players signed by manager Adi Viveash during the summer break, will be away on holiday when Town meet The Worthians, of the Hellenic Premier, on Tuesday, July 22.

"Lee will begin training with us, but he is then away on a family holiday so will miss our first four pre-season games," Viveash told the Standard.

"He is a naturally fit boy and I don't imagine it will be a problem. He will be back for our last three build-up matches."

Only one-pre season game - an away match on Saturday, August 9 - remains to be confirmed.

"Highworth gave a us a tough game in a 1-1 draw during pre-season last year and I don't think it will be any different this time," said Viveash.

Having hosted another Hellenic Premier side, Hungerford Town, in the build up to the 2007/8 season, Town will begin their schedule this summer with a visit to the former club of Swindon Town chairman Andrew Fitton on July 19.

As anticipated, they will be without the services of goalie Matt Bulman and club captain Chris Collins, who have both moved to Southern Premier clubs.

Bulman has joined Swindon Supermarine and Collins has gone to Clevedon Town.

"When were relegated it was always going to be a struggle to hang on to Bully and Chris," said Viveash.

"Bully is an outstanding keeper and I expect him to prove that in the future.

"We were lucky to get Chris last season and I enjoyed working with him. He is a good footballer and a good character on and off the pitch.

"Being Bristol-based, Clevedon was an attractive move for him. I wish them both well."

Viveash is pleased Town have been put in the Southern League South/West rather than the Midlands as anticipated.

"I prefer it because it will mean less travelling and in that division it will be easier to attract players.

"I also think there will be more football played in the South/West, as opposed to the more physical Midlands league.

"There are a lot of good teams in the South/West, some on big budgets like Gosport Borough, Truro City and Windsor & Eton, and I don't think it will be any easier than the Premier."

Cirencester Town's pre-season schedule: Saturday, July 19 - Hungerford Town (A) 3pm.

Tuesday, July 22 - Highworth Town (A) 7.30pm.

Saturday, July 26 - Bristol City (H) 3pm.

Wednesday, July 30 - Wootton Bassett Town (A) 7.30pm.

Saturday, August 2 - Haverfordwest (H) 3pm.

Tuesday, August 5 - Cheltenham Town (H) 7.30pm.

Saturday, August 9 - To be confirmed (A) 3pm.