ST HELENS Town boss Jimmy McBride is out to build a team to grace the best ground in the First North West Trains League.

And with it he aims to take the club a further stage up the non-league pyramid.

Town are leaving their Hoghton Road base and will play at Knowsley Road until the new stadium they will share with Saints is built in about two years.

The move means manager McBride has extra cash to attract new talent and already the league's longest-serving manager is building for the new campaign.

Twenty-three-year-old goalkeeper Phil Woods is arriving from neighbours Prescot Cables.

And striker Lee Cooper is returning to the club from Unibond Premier Division outfit Droylesden. He's joined by midfielder Chris Waring, who was captain of the League of Wales representative squad two years ago.

Another new face is Joe Morgan, a centre-back from Ashton United, who was once on Everton's books.

Said Jimmy McBride: "In all we're looking to recruit at least eight new players to complement the squad from last year.

"The playing surface at Knowsley Road is in great condition and it should help us in our efforts to achieve promotion."

But the big influx of new players means Town will make an early start in their preparations.

Training starts on Thursday June 15 at Hoghton Road.

Jimmy added: "We are always on the lookout for new players to join us. Players with Unibond League experience can contact me on 01744 605913."

Friendly matches have been arranged at Burscough, Padgate St Oswalds, Maghull and Ashton Town.

In addition, they also plan to play one home game at Knowsley Road before the action begins in earnest.