DIRECTOR of rugby Neil Shillingford has been impressed by the level of ability shown by his Dudley Kingswinford players.

Shillingford has been busy assessing his squad during pre-season and is now looking forward to how his side progresses as the season approaches.

He said: "I'm very pleased with how pre-season has gone so far. The turn out has been good and the level of ability is a lot higher than I expected.

"It means I am about three or four weeks ahead of where I thought I'd be.

"We have mainly been working on core skills and fitness so far but will now be turning our attention to patterns of play and set pieces.

"I knew the team had some ability after watching them a few times last year but I have been pleased with how they have done.

"Their ability is good and I think their is a lot of positives to work with."

Shillingford also said he his in no rush to bring in fresh faces to Heathbrook after the current playing squad took their chance to impress.

"It means I don't need to go out and try and find a lot of players to get us where I think we need to be. I'm happy to work with this group going forwards," he added.

"We are weak in a few areas but that is mainly to do with the overall depth of the squad rather than an ability issue. We are always on the look out for players but are also keen to boost the first team by developing our own players at the club. It's not just about this season but also about two or three years down the line.

"The Colts have been training with us and it is clear they could help support the first team as well.

"However, I want to manage that side of things better. I think some players were pitched into the deep end last season so I want to control that more and make sure their progress to the first team is managed properly.

"But, from what I have seen so far, I think we are going to be very competitive in this league.

"I think there are a lot of teams that will fear coming to our place. We need to build up that fear and show them how dangerous we can be."