Chasetown boss lines up 12 players

Chasetown manager Craig Harris today revealed he's provisionally signed 12 players for the upcoming campaign - including 10 from last season's squad.

The Scholars boss' retained list from the playing staff he inherited this summer has hit double figures, with two new additions also set to arrive.

Harris is hoping to land more over the coming weeks but he cannot register the deals until July 1, when non-contract forms are accepted.

They are then formally accepted by the Evo-Stik Northern League, but clubs can still talk to their players after making a seven-day approach.

But Harris is confident the majority of the squad will be staying at the Scholars Ground with a number of them having already put pen to paper.

He said: "We have shook hands and they have signed the forms and that pretty much puts it to bed, usually.

"But, obviously, I can't date them and I can't send them off, so we are waiting for the date.

"I have got 12 now, including last year's squad and I wanted to know where I stood with keeping them.

"I am still speaking to lads, as well."

The club have been told they will be placed in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League First Division South next season after relegation.

It's the division they were promoted from in 2010 and an immediate return will be the aim for new boss Harris, who was appointed last month.

The 37-year-old has been busy devising a pre-season fixture list and has lined up a clash with Football League club Crewe.

They visit the Scholars Ground on the Monday night of July 16, two days after the preparations begin for the new campaign at Sporting Khalsa.

After Crewe, the Scholars head to Evo-Stik Southern Premier League side Redditch on the Saturday before a trip to Harris' former club, Tipton, the following Saturday.

West Midlands rivals Stourbridge have also been pencilled in for a game at the Scholars Ground on Tuesday August 7.