MANAGER Gary Hackett says supporters can look forward to an energetic and hard-working Stourbridge side this season.

The Glassboys begin their Northern Premier League campaign away at Whitby Town this Saturday and confidence is high at Amblecote after an impressive summer recruitment drive.

Notable arrivals at the Memorial Ground include goalkeeper Charlie Price, former Halesowen players Kristian Green and Tom Tonks and Lee Chilton, Dan Scarr and new skipper Stuart Pierpoint.

This week also saw the addition of former Carlisle United and Preston North End forward Karl Hawley.

Hackett said: “We go into the season full of confidence, but not arrogance. We know how competitive this league is.

“But pre-season has gone really well, the new players have really invigorated the place and they are all chomping at the bit to get going.

“We have always been an attacking team and that won’t change. I think fans can look forward to watching an energetic, hard-working and talented side this season.”

The Glassboys’ boss also said his aim was to finish in one of the the league’s play-off places.

“We want to get one of those play-off places and will be giving it our best shot,” he added.

“We underachieved last season but were always in the big games against the top sides and missed a lot of chances.

“It’s an exciting time and we will be going to Whitby looking to get off to a really positive start.”

Meanwhile, Hackett was pleased with the capture of Hawley.

The 33-year-old began his career with Walsall and numbers Hednesford Town, Carlisle United, Preston North End, Notts County and Scunthorpe United among his previous clubs.

His most successful spell was with Carlisle between 2004 and 2007 where he scored 47 goals from 118 appearances at Brunton Park.

He spent last term in the Conference with Alfreton, where he scored ten goals from 33 appearances.

Hackett said: “I’m delighted to welcome Karl to the club. We have been speaking to him for the past month, so it is great he has decided that Stourbridge is the club for him.”

The Glassboys have also registered former Stafford Rangers attacker Tyree Clarke.

Forward Jamie Insall is weighing up an offer from Scottish giants Hibernian after impressing on trial.

One player that has already left the club is defender Luke Connolly. He has linked up with rivals Halesowen Town on the eve of the new season.