BINFIELD FC manager Roger Herridge believes his new-look squad is stronger than the one he had last year, writes Dave Wright.

He has seen a lot of transfer activity during the close season, but with a greater number of players moving to Hill Farm Lane than leaving.

“I am happy with what I have got so far and I certainly think it’s a better balanced squad than last season,” said Herridge, whose side open their Hellenic League campaign against newly-promoted Henley at The Triangle ground next Tuesday (7.45pm ko).

“I probably have 10 or 11 players who played for me at Wokingham from the Allied Counties through to the first team.

“It is making sure you have the right characters in the dressing room. I perhaps haven’t got that quite right over the last couple of seasons, but I think we have now got a good group.”

New arrivals include Garry Aulsberry, James Charlton, Luke Scope, Jamie Connor, Matt Jones, Nicky Bateman, Jake White, Ross Seldon and Tom Williams.

But he has lost keeper Nathan Silver, who is planning to go travelling in September, Carl Withers to Bracknell, Josh Howell and Jemel Johnson, both to Thatcham.

“I was sorry to see them go, but I am happy with those who have joined and I am very pleased with the quality of the squad,” added Herridge.

“Overall, it looks better than it was last year. We certainly have got good options there.

“But I am always on the look out for players who I think will improve us as a team.”

Herridge is hoping that his ace striker Liam Ferdinand will put pen to paper this week.

“He is a very important player for us,” stated the Moles’s manager. He came on as a player last season and looked confident.

“But if he starts the season like he finished off last season and keeps scoring goals then I would not be surprised if a team from a higher level is knocking on our door.”

Ferdinand scored in the 4-0 win away to Penn & Tylers in last Saturday’s friendly with Williams (2) and Jean-Claude Etienne also on target against the Hellenic League Division 1 East side.

Herridge revealed his side won’t be at full strength when they kick-off the new season with a few players on holiday and Jack Broome suspended. But the manager added: “I think we have a squad capable of coping with the loses.”

Herridge will have Andy Silver as his assistant following Glenn Goudie’s decision to stand down due to work and family commitments. Rob Wytchard will again be the first-team coach.