WESTBURY United joint-manager Neil Kirkpatrick says preparation for their debut season in the Toolstation League Premier Division has been far from ideal.

Kirkpatrick manages the side alongside his son, Joe, with the duo guiding the club to promotion in their first season in charge.

After being crowned Division One champions, United attempted to retain the majority of their players for the new campaign.

However, Kirkpatrick says this summer has been a struggle after a number of exits from Meadow Lane.

Skipper Dan Price heads the list of departures, leaving in order to pursue his interest in Motocross.

His defensive partner Matt Jones has retired, while Jake Hiscocks and Mark Robinson have opted to join Toolstation Premier rivals Bradford Town.

To atone for their squad looking a little depleted, Westbury went on a recruitment offensive and have signed Ed Baldy, Ian Jeffers, Will Stead, Callum Demkiv, Finn Young, Waleed Bakali and Francois Allen.

Despite the sizeable turn around, the Westbury boss says the new additions have made themselves at home since linking up with his side.

“Pre-season has been a nightmare, if I’m honest. I thought it would be the easiest I have ever had," said Kirkpatrick.

“You win the league and you think all the boys will want to carry on.

“We added a couple of faces and we have a really good group.

"The new lads have all fitted in seamlessly and they are good players as well.”

Westbury kick off their season with a home match against Wellington on Saturday.