There was a sneak preview of the first suggested signings by Bradford Park Avenue when the squad assembled at Horsfall Stadium on Saturday for their first training session of the pre-season.

Defender Danny Meadowcroft, who was in the Morecambe squad that won promotion to the Football League under Sammy McIlroy last term, and former Manchester City youth Paul Collins were going through their paces.

Manager Benny Phillips remains tight-lipped at the moment but he did reveal that he has completed some signings and will add more quality players to the squad before the season begins.

The imposing 6ft 4in Meadowcroft, who began his career with Stockport County, and Collins could be among them.

Collins is only 18 but he captained Ashton United, in the division higher than Avenue, last season.

"There will be signings of a certain quality - we mean business this time," said chief executive Bob Blackburn.

The self-made local businessman has sanctioned several transfer and signing-on fees. His backing and Phillips' guile could propel the club upwards.

"Everyone is talking about FC United of Manchester (Avenue's UniBond Division One rivals next season) as the side to watch - well we'll see," added Blackburn.

"We have drawn them at home in our first tie of the FA Trophy. It should be a game that creates a lot of interest.

"If they are as well supported as they claim and all our supporters turn out it should be standing-room only at Horsfall - a bit of a money-spinner.

"We have Ossett Town away in our first outing in the FA Cup. That probably won't bring in much income but it is a fixture we can look forward to and hopefully take most of our fans with us.

"I watched the first training session on Saturday and even I was impressed.

"They looked like a pro team. Kevin Sanasy, a fitness fanatic, said he was drained after the work out the lads did."