NEW-look Studley take on new-look Biddulph Victoria in their Midland Alliance opener at the Beehive on Saturday (ko 3pm).

After buying the ground from the former BKL firm, Studley are now simply Studley FC and have been ringing the changes in an eventful close season.

Chairman Dave Robinson has added an extensive youth team set-up and enticed FA Charter club Redditch United Women to the village ground.

But it is the first team, under the guidance of manager Mark Chambers, which is the centre of attention for most of the Bees faithful.

Chambers followed up a promotion and Worcestershire Senior Urn double in his first season by guiding the club to an impressive top ten finish in their first season at Alliance level.

And after more wheeler-dealing in the summer he wants to maintain the momentum this season.

Alliance golden boot winner Craig Pountney has started where he left off last season with three goals in five pre-season friendlies, including one against a strong Oxford United team.

With strike partner Kevin Rowlands in semi retirement, Pountney is set to forge a partnership with former Redditch United, Solihull Borough, Moor Green and Shirley Town striker Matt Coppin, returning to fitness after signing from Bromsgrove Rovers.

Teenage goalkeeper Danny Lewis has joined from Sunday side Garringtons to provide competition for Matt Pugh and Duncan Turk with Martyn Lakin moving away and Turk ready to join the backroom team.

The defence has been bolstered by the return of former skipper Mark Davis after his season at neighbours Feckenham and Chambers beat Solihull for the signature of Shirley Town defender Vaughan Thomas.

Full back Matt Pendleton has returned to Dr Martens Western side Evesham United and stopper Craig Gillett has retired.

With five substitutes allowed in the Alliance this year, Chambers has added five new midfielders with player-coach Nicky Cross' son Steve joining from Feckenham along with Scott Walsh, from Fairfield Villa, Stuart Butler from Halesowen Harriers and Black Horse teenager James Hands.

And Studley are hoping former West Brom and Newcastle United veteran Wayne Fereday will be on call if he can overcome work commitments.

With striker Andy Grubb only a fortnight from fitness and midfielder Steve Duncan hoping for the all clear from a scan on his troublesome stomach muscle injury, things are looking up at the Beehive.