CRADLEY Town could prove one of the major players in this season's West Midlands League campaign following the arrival of Andy Wyton who becomes joint manager with existing boss Mark Jones.

Former Dudley Town manager Wyton spent much of last season in charge of rivals Gornal Athletic. His switch to Cradley has seen several Gornal players follow him to Beeches View Avenue.

Goalkeeper Richard Kennedy, strikers Geoff Hill and Liam Hickman, central defender Ross Love, midfield man Danny Crudgington and full back Dan Roden have all arrived to boost the ranks at Cradley.

Wyton confirmed: "We've managed to keep most of last season's squad and everyone is really optimistic about the season ahead.

"We've also been improving matters off the pitch by extending the home dressing rooms to include new shower facilities together with a physio's room.

Busy Cradley have already completed a number of pre-season friendlies and Wyton is mindful they must hit the ground running on August 6 when they take on Midland League side Coleshill Town in the FA Cup.

Wyton admitted: "It's a very important game for us but we know it's going to be a tough task especially as Coleshill have already beaten Bedworth United 7-1 in a pre-season friendly.

Cradley have already held Midland League Alvechurch to a goalless draw in pre-season, lost 3-2 to Coventry side Alvis Sports, beaten Old Hill Town 2-1 and Redditch Borough by the same margin.

Wyton added: "I wasn't too worried about the defeat to Alvis as we played quite a few trialists in that game."

And Wyton added: "Things became difficult at Gornal and I didn't have the same back four from one game to the next. I tried to see it out until the end of the season, but it wasn't working.

"I'm much more confident we can go close to the title at Cradley - but it won't be easy. Wolves Sporting Community, Maslvern Town and AFC Bridgnorth will be putting strong sides together and I expect them to be the main dangers."

Cradley were due to face Worcester Raiders this week but Wyton is still on the lookout for a fixture next Tuesday.