ABERYSTWYTH Town manager Gavin Allen said that he was pleased to be able to take a closer look at his youthful new squad when they returned to non-contact training last week.

The Seasiders’ manager has been busy assembling a promising young squad during lockdown, with the addition of some young ex-pro players, as well as the return of familiar Ceredigion talent.

Allen said he is looking for his players to show ambition and desire as they build up preparations for the new Cymru Premier season, with contact training set to resume from 10 August.

“I’ve been in the area for 20 years, and in that time the Club has had loads of managers, and players from away,” the Aber boss told the Club's media team.

“I’m trying to bring in a different culture to the Club. I’m looking at the kids we’ve got coming through, and trying to get in players with a different kind of mentality.

“We’ve got players who have been in the pro game, and who have a desire to get back into the pro game, and young lads coming through.

“We’ll be a youthful squad this year, but we’ll also be a fit squad. Hopefully we can resume contact training next week, and it will be vital to get pre-season friendlies in.

“We will wait for guidance from the FAW on getting players back onto the pitch.”

Allen added: “There will still probably be one or two more additions to come in, and we are always looking to strengthen, but we want to get back into the football and then let’s see what we can do.

“Every team has got their sights set on the top six, and hopefully, if we work our socks off, we can get there.

“We have players who are technically very good, who will be like a breath of fresh air - and with a professional attitude - but it’s important they do not underestimate the Welsh Premier. There are some very physical and fit teams, who train every day.

“I have high expectations of the six or seven players that we’ve brought in so far, and hopefully there will be a nice mixture with the local boys as well. We are looking forwards, and are still trying to strengthen the side, but the players have got to believe in what we are doing as well.”

Aberystwyth’s new signings this summer include Owain Jones (Merthyr); Jamie Veale (Merthyr); Rhys Davies (Hereford United); Sam Barnes (Widnes); Harri Rowe (Haverfordwest); Jack Rimmer (Penrhyncoch); Jon Evans (Penrhyncoch); Steffan Davies (Penrhyncoch) and George Harry (Newtown).