DUDLEY Kingswinford director of rugby Neil Shillingford is set to form his battle plan for the coming campaign now that pre-season training has got underway at Heathbrook.

Players were back and being put through their paces on Tuesday night as they prepare for life in Midlands One West following last season's relegation.

Shillingford says he will be using the coming weeks to not only assess his squad but to also decide on the style of play the team will be adopting.

He said: "We are looking forward to seeing what the players can do.

"We haven't brought in a host of new faces yet because we are keen to give the people already at the club the chance to impress.

"We have a decent sized squad already and have also welcomed some old faces back to the club.

"I don't want to decide on a style of play until I have had a close look at the players we have. It is no good trying to enforce a style on players that aren't suited to it.

"We will see what best suits our players and go with that.

"Once I have worked with the team for a few weeks we will know a lot more about the kind of players we need to bring in."

Shillingford will be supported by his coaching team of Pete Knight and Adam Blackford and fitness coach son Stefan.

"We have a programme in place and will be working very hard on fitness levels at the start of pre-season," added Shillingford senior.

"I have been pleased to see that a lot of the club's younger players have already been in. I think they have heard how tough the fitness sessions are going to be.

"Overall, it is great to finally get going. It is an exciting time and everyone now has a chance to impress."

DK have two pre-season friendly games organised as part of their preparations.

They are at home to Droitwich on Saturday, August 15 before facing Bromsgrove away on Saturday, August 21.

DK will get their season underway when they welcome Stoke to Heathbrook on September 5.