BALTI Sports boss Marco Nott is preparing to enter another campaign as his side begin pre-season training this week.

Sports took second place behind Holt United in the Dorset Premier League last season and Nott has already set about improving his squad by bringing in midfielder Sammy Nichols and right-back Ashley Batchelor.

Regulars Carl McClements and Ricky Lane also confirmed their place with the club at a meeting held last week.

Nott said: “We’re really happy. We spoke last Wednesday and all the players are keen to get going. We finished our final match before anyone else, so we’ve done nothing for two months.

“We thought we might as well crack on and get an early start. We’ll start with light sessions which should blow off the cobwebs. Next week we’ll probably get into full pre-season mode.”

On his new signings, Nott was delighted to welcome back former Balti players Nichols and Batchelor to the squad.

“Sammy is a very good player and Ashley can be a very good addition for us. He brings a lot of energy up and down that right-hand side.

“I’ve known him for years - he’s a leader and is not afraid of putting his foot in.

“Sammy moved to Wales last year and, when he did play, he was coming in unfit. He’s back in Weymouth now and is an outstanding player, he could play at a higher level,” Nott said.

n Balti have announced four pre-season fixtures so far. Nott’s men begin at home to Parley Sports on July 8, before an away game at Hamworthy United three days later.

Portland United will travel to the Weymouth College outfit on July 15, before they host Dorchester Reserves on August 1. Balti train at 6.30pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Redlands and look forward to welcoming any interested players.