WITHAM Town manager Mark Ashford says he is happy with how his squad is shaping up ahead of the new Bostik League division north season.

Ashford said he had 15 players signed on and was looking to add another on Thursday evening, with a deal also close to bring in a new goalkeeper and the new Town boss feels his line-up is near to where he wants it to be.

He added, though, that there may be one or two late additions in the closing weeks of pre-season.

“We have 15 players signed and that includes some players who have not been around, like John Watson," said Ashford.

“We hope to sign another one on Thursday, so that will make it 16 and we’re very close to agreeing with a goalkeeper, which will take us up to 17.

“We are only going to bring in a couple more now and anyone who does come in will be a really good player.

“Anyone else coming in after that, it will have to be a case of someone else going out to make room as I have to work within the financial constraints of having the second smallest budget in our division.

“I’m comfortable in doing that but you do have to look at what you are spending.

“As a squad, though, we’re not far away now."

Witham have had mixed fortunes in the pre-season action this week, with a 7-1 win at Sawbridgeworth Town tempered by a 2-1 defeat at Harwich and Parkeston in midweek.

Ashford is due to take his team to Halstead Town for a friendly on Saturday (kick-off 3pm), with a trip to Southend Manor coming on Tuesday (kick-off 7.45pm).