CHAIRMAN Colin Brookes believes Halesowen Town’s fans may have to show patience while the new-look Yeltz take time to bed-in.

Town begin their Northern Premier League campaign against Colwyn Bay at The Grove this Saturday (3pm).

Brookes thinks the Yeltz will be facing an even tougher task this season after a host of summer arrivals and departures.

Those coming in include Jay Denny, Gurpal Mandair, Elikem Amenku, Connor Collins, Greg Pearson, Mike Taylor, Chris Westwood and Ashley Parsons-Smith.

Notable players to leave The Grove included Iyseden Christie, Ben Haseley, Curtis Tilt, Kristian Green, and Tom Tonks.

Brookes said: “It won’t be easy for us this season. If anything, I think it could be even tougher than last time.

“Some good sides have come into the division and we have lost that surprise element.

“We have lost a lot of our players but brought a lot in to replace them. It means that it could well take time for them to gel.

“Our fans are great and will hopefully get behind them while they progress. I think we are still a work in progress.

“The players need to try and repeat last year and mirror our team-work and organisation before anything else.

“Overall, it is an exciting time and I’m looking forward to getting going. We have a good mix of experience and youth.”

Manager John Hill boosted his defence on the eve of the new season with the arrival of Luke Connolly from rivals Stourbridge and former Alvechurch centre back Kyle Morrison.

Hales ended their pre-season programme with a 1-1 draw with neighbours Tividale.

An early second half header from Yeltz forward Connor Collins cancelled out a strike from Dale’s Kahmel Taylor late in the first period.

The stuttering contest would eventually be halted ten minutes early following a sickening clash of heads between Yeltz keeper Platt and Tividale’s former Causeway United striker Joel Ayettey.

Thankfully, both men walked from the field after a long delay. However, Platt could miss the start of the season after losing three teeth in the collision.