BRIDPORT boss Rich Robson believes the Bees’ opening pre-season friendly with Sherborne Town at St Mary’s Field on Saturday (3pm) will be a “building block”.

Robson is set to oversee his first pre-season in charge of the Bees and has so far signed strikers Lewis Clarke, Joel Hewitt, Derek Wall and Robinson Okumu plus Callum Thompson.

However, Bridport heavyweights Ed Butcher and Braeden Symes have left for Paulton Rovers, Chris McGrath has joined Buckland and veteran striker Mark Salter has retired.

Nevertheless, Robson is upbeat after an in-house friendly on Tuesday and feels satisfied with Bridport’s preparations ahead of meeting the Zebras.

He told the Bridport News: “Saturday for me isn’t about any massive competition with another team, it’s about gauging where we’re at, seeing where we need to build and where our strengths are.

“Also, to start getting the squad ready for the style of play we want. Each friendly is going to be like a building block towards the season and getting the team ready to work together.

“We understand with a new team, new management, it’s going to take a few games to get used to what we want to do and likewise to get used to what the players can give us.”

Robson also gave his assessment of the Bees’ squad so far, adding: “I like the players that’ve been about, they’ve put in some great effort throughout the training sessions.

“It’s good the see the whole club because we’ve tried to train together with all three teams, tried to instil a one-club culture.

“We’re bringing in some new faces as well and I’m impressed with the attitude we’ve got so far.”

Luke King and James Cox played for Portland in their 4-0 loss to Weymouth on Saturday, and Robson hopes the duo will commit to the Bees.

“We’ve hopefully got a few more incoming,” Robson teased. “Obviously James and Luke still have to decide what they’re doing.

“We’re hoping they stay around because we rate them both.