KENDAL Town's new boss Mick Hoyle took the wraps off EIGHT new signings at Parkside this week and then revealed that the new-look squad for the forthcoming Unibond League season has yet to kick a ball in three get-togethers.

"We need to be at the highest level of fitness possible to compete so we're working on that and the players will not see a ball until next week,"said Hoyle.

Newcomer Peter Smith played under Hoyle's managership at Fleetwood last season.

Now in his thirties, Smith left Great Harwood for Barrow for a £10,000 fee earlier in his career and is still highly-rated, having scored 25 goals from midfield last season.

Fellow midfielder Stuart Cliff was also at Fleetwood and joins the recruits, having been a member of Bamber Bridge's championship-winning side three seasons ago and Stuart Parkinson (Fleetwood/Lancaster) and Neil Reyolds (Clitheroe) will also be vying for places in the middle of park.

Goalkeeper Cyril Shorrocks looks a notable capture from from neighbours Lancaster City.

Shorrocks has been No.

2 at City for the last two seasons, but still played 20 first-team games during that time, and makes the move to be the No.

1 in his own right, said Hoyle.

Player-manager Wayne Maddock, as previously reported, renews his partnership with Hoyle and the defence is bolstered by Fleetwood first-teamer Phil Archbold, a full back, and Simon Woodward, a utility defender who has joined from Bamber Bridge.

From among Town's squad of last year Stuart Darley, David Foster, Kyle Hayton and David Burrow were among those committed to playing for the club this season, said the manager, who confirmed he was still in negotiations to sign two or three more players.

Town supporters face a feast of football to get behind the side when the new season starts.

The fixture-list opens with three home matches in a row.

Stocksbridge Park Steel will be the first visitors on Saturday, August 18, followed by Trafford on Tuesday the 21st and Eastwood Town on Saturday 25th.

Two days later, Town go to Witton Albion on Bank Holiday Monday (3pm kick-off).

The FA Cup draw also brings a home tie against Consett in the preliminary round on Saturday,

September 1.

If Town win, they will be away to one of Seaham Red Star/Brandon Utd or St Helens and further progress would set up a meeting at Premier Division neighbours Barrow.

Kendal are also drawn at home against Bradford Park Avenue in the first round of the FA Trophy on November 3.

Hoyle said: "Three home matches to start the season gives us a good chance to get off to a promising start and put some points behind us.

"We're looking to establish ourselves in the comfort zone and play some attractive football which the supporters want to see."

n Peel from the Isle of Man cannot fufil a pre-season friendly and town will instead entertain Squires FC from Lancaster on the same date.