MALVERN Town are hoping to make five summer signings as well as retain “the majority” of last season’s squad.

Recently-appointed joint managers Lee Hooper and Dene Whittal-Williams have been busy holding talks with existing players they were keen to keep hold of at Town.

The duo have also identified new targets as they look to add much-needed experience to their largely young crop for the 2018-19 West Midlands (Regional) League Premier Division campaign.

Hooper said the club were planning to make a string of announcements next week as their squad starts to take shape.

“We have been talking to all existing players which we have made priority to make sure that they know that they are wanted still and that they are valued,” Hooper said.

“We want to keep the majority of what we have got and just strengthen that with a few new signings to give us that depth.

“Everybody seems excited for the forthcoming season and by the feedback that we are giving them.

“We are hoping that by early next week we will start announcing players that have committed to us.”

Hooper, 33, and Whittal-Williams, 37, took over at the helm last month, replacing Les Jones and his assistant Derek Doyle.

Whittal Williams has been a key figure in the heart of Town’s defence for many years.

But with his management duties now taking “priority” Hooper said they were aiming to replace the veteran centre half.

“Dene will be on the touch-line with me as much as possible which is why we want the new signings to replace him,” said the ex-Town frontman.

“He can be a back-up which is always good for squad numbers.

“That’s not the case for myself unless we are in absolutely desperate need and have a crisis.

“We want the new lads to settle in, do the job needed and take the reins off Dene on the pitch.”

On his efforts to bring in new faces, Hooper added: “There are still a few players that are undecided and have had other offers.

“It hard to confirm numbers, but we have spoken to quite a few players so we are hoping for four to five new signings to bolster us.

"We finished third last season so we need strength in depth to give us that extra push and get a few per cent more out of existing players to improve them."