BALA Town manager Colin Caton has re-appointed Stephen Fisher as his assistant manager, with Ryan Valentine as first team coach, as their preparations get under way for the new campaign.

The Lakesiders’ management team has been busy working behind the scenes to assemble their squad for next season, with their first pre-season friendly scheduled in two weeks’ time.

“Ste Fisher’s loyalty to the Club is second to none, and working with him for over 14 years just shows how committed he is,” said Caton on his assistant boss.

“The success of the team is a lot down to him, and he has also recently passed his UEFA A coaching licence.”

Caton added: “It’s also great to get Val on board for another year. He brings so much knowledge to the coaching team with his Football League experience, and he too has been at the Club for such a long time.

“Training starts at the end of the month, and the friendlies that we have set up are of a quality that will give us the preparation we need to have to ensure we make a good start in the JD Welsh Premier League.

“We’ve been in talks with a lot of last season’s squad, and in talks with new players to bolster the squad. There are signings to be released soon, so stay tuned.”

The Lakesiders have confirmed that Henry Jones and Kieran Smith have both committed for next season.

After joining the Club last summer, Jones has extended his contract after a superb first season at Maes Tegid with 32 (+1) appearances and 15 goals scored.

Jones also made an appearance in the Wales C squad - and was named in the WPL Team of the Year.

Smith, who is in his second spell at the Club, made 29 (+3) appearances last season and scored nine goals.

Andy Burns has also committed for next season, along with Anthony Stephens and Shaun Kelly.Meanwhile Ian Sheridan feels has moved on to pastures new in search of more regular first team football.

During his eight years at Maes Tegid, Sheridan made 200 (+50) appearances and scored 67 goals in total in all competitions, including Bala’s first ever goal in the UEFA Europa League.

The Club has also confirmed that Steven Tames has now left Maes Tegid.

Tames, who joined the Lakesiders last summer, has signed for Northern Premier League side Ashton United, after making 28 (+2) appearances and scoring 19 goals in all competitions.

Anthony Miley has also left the Club to join Northern Premier League outfit Marine AFC. During his time at Maes Tegid, centre half Miley played 28 games.

Meanwhile the Club has finalised its pre-season schedule, with Crewe Alexandra added to the line-up.

The Lakesiders will welcome David Artell and Kenny Lunt’s men to Maes Tegid on Tuesday, 23 July with a kick-off of 7.45p.m.

Bala’s full pre-season friendlies are as follows: 13 July Llanrhaeadr ym Mochnant (a); 17 July Southport (h); 20 July Accrington Stanley (h); 23 July Crewe Alexandra (h); 26 July Fleetwood Town (h); 3 August Rushall Olympic (h).

The Lakesiders will start the new JD Welsh Premier League campaign away to newly-promoted Airbus UK Broughton on Friday, 16 August, before hosting champions The New Saints the following week at Maes Tegid on Friday, 23 August.

Meanwhile, the Club has announced that its 2019 AGM will be held on Thursday, 11 July at the Pavilion, Maes Tegid. The meeting will start at 7pm, and everyone is welcome to attend.