Whitchurch Alport manager Luke Goddard has been busy assembling his backroom staff in readiness for the new campaign.

Trusted lieutenant Steve May has been with Goddard throughout much of his tenure at Yockings Park and is joined by Jack Turner who the manager brought in soon after his reappointment back in May.

Goddard sees a lot of himself in Turner who is a promising young coach in his own right.

He spent last season at Crewe FC, guiding them to the title before the season was curtailed.

Meanwhile Steve Benyon returns as head coach and Kevin Street will be responsible for fitness coaching while Paul Mellings has been a welcome addition to help bring on the goalkeepers at Alport.

Dan Read had two great seasons at Yockings before retiring after the play-off final win two years ago.

Lea Edge joined Alport back in 2016 having enjoyed unparalleled success at Malpas and he will be the new director of football at the club.

One area where the club struggled last season came when Cal Carey relinquished his position as physiotherapist in January and Alport have brought in Suzi Riddell as their new sports therapist ahead of the new campaign.

She comes with an impressive résumé and Goddard stressed the importance of having the right people around him: “I want us to get our identity back and play the Alport way,” he said.

“I want everyone to have a smile on their faces and having Jack, Dan and Suzi with us will help keep spirits and morale high around the dressing room which is hugely important.

“The players trained at the weekend and we’ll have them ready for when the new season kicks off.

“I’m not naming any players at this point as we are looking at a few and won’t make any rush decisions simply to bolster squad numbers.”

Meanwhile off the pitch the club has been bolstered by a 12 month sponsorship deal with KMJ Mortgages Limited.