THERE is an air of optimism around the Valley as the first day of the season approaches.

After a rocky ride last season fans spirits have been bouyed by a series of organised pre-season displays from Rod Brown's new-look side.

The Scot promised the United faithful an influx of new faces in the close season as he chases his stated aim of a top six finish and he has been good to his word by ringing the changes.

As the big kick-off approaches, only two players have survived the manager's cull, with veteran stopper Nigel Niblett and fiery midfielder Richard Field the only survivors from the squad which started last season under Nicky Cross.

But there are plenty of familiar faces with wing wizard Matty Hall and fans' favourite Lee Knight back in the fold and former Reds like Neil Manton drafted in as part of the Rod Brown revolution.

The former Stourports Swifts manager, who left amid acrimony at Walshes Meadow last season, has stamped his authority on the team after his first pre-season with the Reds.

The loss of star striker Paul Danks was a blow, and his destination - arch rivals Bromsgrove Rovers - added insult to injury, but Brown has drafted in almost a full team of new signings and has brought a better balance to his first choice line-up.

Matty Hall's dribbling skills and pace on one wing have now been mirrored by the addition of former West Brom trainee Alex Cowley on the opposite flank.

Cowley is the most controversial arrival of the summer and will eventually command a fee set by an FA tribunal after moving from former club Stourport, who tried to prevent him training or playing at The Valley.

If Cowley, as expected commands a fee in the region of £1,000 he will be a worthwhile investment on current form.

Moors keeper Richard Anstiss has joined along with midfielder Richard Softly, from the Premier Division side and Hereford United's Anthony Hall, brother of Matt, and Rushall stopper Chris Homer give Brown more options in defence.

Former Evesham United regular Steve Shaw and Manton swell the manager's options in the wide defensive positions and Andrew Dodd brought the number of new arrivals to nine.

Young striker Ian McVarish is showing promise but Brown wants to sign former QPR hitman Dennis Bailey, released by Halesowen Town to fill the void left by Danks' departure.

Bailey guested in the 1-1 draw against Nigel Clough's Burton Albion but is also wanted by Stourport and the Worcestershire rivals could be on another collision course.

Perhaps the man most looking forward to the big kick-off is Lee Booth.

The former Lye Town and Stourport goal machine had a lean time after his controversial move from Swifts last season and then suffered a back injury in a friendly against Feckenham which plagued his run-in as United fought to stave off relegation.

Booth was well on course for the Western Division golden boot until he left Stourport and will be itching to show Reds fans his best and put last year behind him.