Shirebrook Town's manager Micky Taylor has begun the NCEL Division One club's preparations for the forthcoming season.

He said: "We have had a fantastic response from the fans to our appointment and we hope we can return their support with a great season of success.

"Both myself and Dougie Etches are pleased to confirm that goalkeeping coach Graeme Rodger has agreed to continue with the club and will become the final member of the management team.

"Graeme is the consummate professional in everything he does and is pivotal for our plans this season.

"We have named Steve McGurk as club captain for the forthcoming campaign. Steve leads by example and was probably one of the easiest decisions to make.

"We have been busy in trying to bring the best local talent to the club and some of our proposed signings would not look out of place in higher leagues.

"It is too early to name names but we are still continuing to add to an already impressive squad."

In terms of pre-season friendlies the club welcomes back old boss Rudy Funk to Langwith Road with his Scarborough Athletic side.

They have also agreed to host Evo-Stik Division One side Loughborough Dynamo and East Midlands Counties League runners up Borrowash Victoria.

Derby County will visit on Saturday 30th July and the club begins pre-season with a short trip to Central Midlands side Kirkby Town who finished an impressive fifth in the CML Supreme Division last season.