Tiverton Town manager Mark Saunders took the opportunity to run the rule over a posse of new players when the Evo-Stik Southern League Division One South & West club returned to training.

Saunders saw more than twenty players turn up for the first pre-season session last week, which included the majority of last season's squad – although missing out were defender Tom Gardner and striker Adam Mortimer, who are on holiday – and plenty of triallists. Among the new trainers were former Plymouth Argyle and Bideford centre back Paul Kendall, who has recovered from a broken leg he suffered last season. Saunders was also impressed by a Southampton-based midfielder who is a student at the University of Exeter.

Former Argyle loanee Ryan Leonard also trained with Tivvy on Thursday but, according to Saunders, has 'other options'. That includes a trial at Southend United this week, as the left-sided youngster searches for a new professional contract.

But while the Yellows manager was pleased with the turnout for the first week back, he admits that he has already lost out to Carlsberg South West Peninsula League Premier Division champions Buckland Athletic for the services of two players he was keen on signing – former Tivvy midfielder Mike Booth and winger Dean Stevens.

Even so, Saunders says his main focus as the club prepare for life in Division One South & West is to retain the majority of last season's squad, while adding only two or three new players.

Saunders said: "Training went very well. There were about 22 players there. A few of the under-18s too, which was good to see.

"Admittedly there were a couple of lads who said they'd be there and then didn't turn up, so I won't be pursuing them. You end up trying for the so-called better players from around the county but then they've got to want to come and play.

"Paul Kendall came – he's a big centre half. He broke his leg last year playing for Bideford but he's looking quite strong so we're able to look at him. And there are a few others I'll keep an eye on over the next few weeks.

"But the lads from last season have come back and to be fair to them they're looking quite fit. They're good honest lads.

"We've got to try and keep all the lads from last season before we start bringing anyone in. The lads we bring in have to be better than what we've already got, otherwise there's no point.

"I think they're all keen to play and give it a go."