THE renowned team spirit at Stourport Swifts is epitomised by some well-known names in local circles.

One of the key ingredients is assistant manager Jan Mulders who has played across Worcestershire and built up a reputation as a dependable defender.

Mulders' main spells have been in the Conference with Kidderminster Harriers and at Swifts' recent rivals Redditch United.

Mark Dearlove, another past regular at Harriers and Redditch, is well on the road to recovery from last season's knee injury.

A household name at Swifts is midfielder or striker Simon Marsh, a fans' favourite over two goal-packed spells with the club.

Midfield general Adam Nicholls is another local lad at the club for a second time, while striker Kerry Giddings has figured regularly at Walshes Meadow over the years.

Rob Clarke has been a fixture in goal for a few seasons now but many of the others have been more recent additions.

The rangy Dave Davies, ex-Bromsgrove man Steve Ulfig and new skipper Asa Charlton have all become key defenders.

Tim Nicholls looks to continue his impressive midfield form and Swifts hope to have Ross Knight back from his injury problems.

Player-boss Tim Langford's signings, teenager Sean Wright and striker Andy Wright, have looked promising with the former called up for England schoolboy trials.

Second-choice keeper Adrian Hipkins is another fine prospect.

Veteran Langford is looking to increase his options up-front but will be available to play for another season.

However, he has a major question mark over talented winger Alex Cowley whose future seems to lie away from Swifts.

Utility man Willie Dunn has not been in pre-season training due to his troublesome knee injury.

And wideman Richie Gardner is doing pre-season training with Telford United though he should return to Swifts if boss Jake King does not keep him on.