NELSON have made goalkeeper Billy Carrington a contracted player as David Hall prepares for his first season at the helm, writes Suzanne Geldard.

Hall struck a deal with the 21-year-old after left-sided player Kevin Richardson returned to the club.

The Nelson boss is hoping to bring two or three new players to Victoria Park before the season kicks off next month but he was also pleased to welcome back the nucleus of last year's squad for pre-season training.

"Over 40 players turned up for the first training session which, considering we have a reserve side as well now, was a big plus," said Hall, who replaced Denis Underwood at the end of last season.

And the former Blackburn Rovers youth team coach admitted that, while his knowledge of the non-league scene was limited, he was eager to improve on last season's seventh-placed finish.

"It was very creditable considering the disruptions the club has had," he said.

"Like every other manager promotion is the ultimate goal. Obviously I would love to win the league, but there are a lot of good sides out there and some new teams coming into the league.

"I don't know how well we'll fare - all I can say is that, with the squad we've got, we should be able to finish higher than last season."

Hall admitted he was a little apprehensive about the season ahead. But after working with the likes of Premiership stars David Dunn and James Beattie in their prime, the Nelson board were more than willing to put their faith in Hall.

"I worked with Ashley Hoskin and Andy Payton at Burnley, and I was youth team coach at Blackburn for 15 years," he said.

"I also did the reserves at Blackburn with Jim Furnell, so I have a good background in football, although it will be a different type of player that I'll be working with now."