IT is all change at St Asaph City as they look to improve their Lock Stock Welsh Alliance Division fortunes.

Talented young manager Daniel Brewerton has taken over at the helm following a successful spell at Rhyl Youth, and he has brought in a series of key additions to give the Saints plenty of encouragement for the campaign ahead.

If their pre-season results are any indication, the new-look squad has gelled together quickly and although friendlies can be a false representation of what is to come when competitive action rolls around, there is enough talent within the city squad to make a real go of things in what is expected to be another very close-run third tier.

The likes of Duncan Midgley and Simon Fawcett have a long association with the set-up and their experience will be a very valuable asset to call upon, with big things also expected of Declan Thomas after a strong series of performances during their friendly fixtures.

Brewerton has previously stated he is looking to bring together a squad that is going to play the right way, and he looks to have done that, but they will need to address their dismal end to the previous campaign that saw them plummet down the standings if they want things to improve this time around.

Losing top scorer Jake Walker to Huws Gray Alliance side Denbigh Town is a massive blow, so others will have to step up in his absence in order for them to match their manager’s lofty ambitions.

Key man: Matt Morris

Morris’ arrival was a real coup for the Saints, and the former Rhyl squad member is going to be a massive influence on a young squad this season.

He is an assured presence on the ball who is equally adept in the air, and Morris’ knowledge and experience of playing at a higher level is something that this squad has not previously had and will be another massive asset.

Player to watch: Corey Brewerton

With Walker gone, there is a huge void to fill for the Saints at the business end of the field, but Brewerton is a lively young forward with a bright future and should relish the new challenge at a higher level.

He is a fantastic finisher who has a great ability to find space and conjure something out of nothing, and provided he is given the correct service on a consistent basis then it would be a surprise if he was not among the goals this term.

Verdict:

Consistency will be key to any improvement or success that comes the Saints’ way this season, and they could have nobody better to steer them back to prominence.

Brewerton is a highly regarded coach who did wonderful work to develop the young Lilies squad last season, but this is another level altogether and it will be interesting to see how he copes to the difficult times that most teams operating in this division encounter at some stage during the campaign.

With the quality and strength-in-depth he has at his disposal this season, the loss of Walker should not be missed as much as many are expecting and I am fully expecting them to have a marked turnaround in fortunes that can give them plenty of encouragement for the future.

Prediction: 5th (Lock Stock Welsh Alliance Division One)

First five fixtures: Aug 11: Bodedern Athletic (H), Aug 15: Llandudno Albion (H), Aug 18: Nantlle Vale (A), Aug 21: Greenfield (A), Aug 25: Llanrug United (A).