Parson Drove look for improvement in Thurlow Nunn First Division North

It has been another summer of change at Parson Drove - but manager Arran Duke is approaching the new campaign with cautious optimism.

After a season of struggle and a relegation reprieve after the final ball was kicked in anger, boss Duke feels the club has turned a corner.

Duke said: "Last season it was a complete rebuild and although we've made quite a few changes this summer too, I feel we are a lot more settled and are not scratching around for players a week before the season kicks off.

"We have a good blend of youth and experience and we definitely have a better platform to build on than the same time last season."

Drove may have lost the services of Danny Setchell (Corby Town), Brody Warren (Soham), Josh Hails (Ely City), Matteo Perkins (Wisbech), Martin Tudosa (Blackstones) and Kye Gilmour and Kye King to local football, but there have been a number of astute summer signings coming through the door.

Former Swaffham Town striker Alex Vincent has come in, as has ex-Pedlar and Wisbech St Mary midfielder Nick Castellan while Brad Easey, who finished top of the Peterborough League scoring charts with Tydd last season, has also put pen-to-paper.

Charlie Brindle is another arrival from Norwich CBS, Kris Masiarz has come on board from Wisbech Town and youngsters Chris Brazil, Macy Jackson and Tyran Stewart are all new faces from ICA Sports in the Peterborough Sunday League.

Ex-Wisbech St Mary player Will Haws and young striker Ashton Haslam are also part of the revolution at Drove who have also added David Weaver-Pope to the club's management team alongside Duke and his assistant Dean Miller.

It is hoped that pocket-rocket Vincent, who has been made vice-captain, and Easey will score the goals that the club were so clearly lacking last season.

"I think we have a good balance," said Duke.

"The younger players who remain from last season know that we weren't good enough but they now have an extra year of experience on their side.

"It was a no-brainer bringing players in like Alex Vincent and Nick Castellan and their experience will be invaluable to the younger players in the group.

"I think both of them will help the club massively this season."