MANAGER Matt Whitehouse plans to prune his Gornal Athletic squad following this week's friendly fixture against Bilston Town.

Whitehouse has been running the rule over a number of the club's Under-21 players and claimed: "It was part of the remit when I took charge that I would give some of the youngsters a chance and I'm prepared to promote them providing they are good enough."

Whitehouse has been charged with rebuilding the side after most of last season's players followed former manager Andy Wyton to Cradley Town.

He said: "At the moment, only Martin Smith has remained while Under-21 skipper Brady Weston and Connor Fellows have stepped up.

Former Gornal player Mike Robertson has also reunited with Whitehouse have previously played with him at Willenhall.

Whitehouse added: "We've averaged between 18 and 19 players at every training session, some of the lads I've yet to make my mind up about, but by the time we play at Racing Club Warwick on Saturday, the side will be closer to my starting line-up.

Gornal complete their pre-season programme next Tuesday when at home to Lye Town.