Simon Weaver took charge of Harrogate Town in 2009

Harrogate Town are approaching the new season with renewed optimism as they prepare for their pre-season programme, according to manager Simon Weaver

After being reprieved from relegation from Blue Square North last season Weaver is confident of a better year campaign ahead.

He told BBC Radio York: "There were wholesale changes last year.

"We had a lot of young lads vying and trying for places but this year we've got, I think, a solid squad in place."

He added: "We're just looking at a couple of positions, centre-half and left-back to add to the squad.

"But apart from that we'll have players in familiar positions and we want to get into the groove as quick as we can.

It's very important we have an enthusiastic management team Simon Weaver

"Everything won't gel at once and we'll have a few trialists in the mix but I'm looking forward to seeing how fit the lads really are and how it transmits across in an 11-a-side game."

Weaver has also appointed John McDermott as his new assistant to replace Tom Wade who left at the end of last season.

"He's had so many league appearances for Grimsby Town and he was a loyal servant there," Weaver said.

"I think that comes across in the way he talks to me and the chairman.

"He's a very loyal guy and he knows the game inside out and already he's earning the respect of everyone at the club with his training sessions.

"He's organised, he's punctual and his knowledge of the game is second to none.

"More importantly he's a top guy and we're going to get on well and we're going to discuss the game at length.

"It's very important we have an enthusiastic management team. Hopefully the players can pick up on that enthusiasm and feed off it."

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