TRAFFORD FC boss Tom Baker is making finding a goalkeeper his number one priority to get ready for the new season.

Last season's shot-stopper Tom Read is the only person from the Shawe View side who will not be returning for this Evo-Stik First Division North campaign.

Baker has moved quickly to bring in seven players which was reported in last week's Messenger, but now is casting his eye on adding a goalkeeper to his ranks.

He said: "Tom came to me and told me he had taken a new job which means he won't be available.

"He has been a great servant for the club and he let me know which is fine and leaves with my best wishes.

"It is one of the most important positions on the pitch and for a team to be successful you must have a good keeper.

"They can be the difference between getting points and not.

"We have a few goalkeepers down here in training at the minute and will be looking at them.

"It is our target to get as strong a side as we can ready for the season."

Baker was able to cast his eye over the new signings last week.

He said: "It went really well and had a good turn out with a mixture of players from last year and then the new lads as well as some trialists.

"We worked them hard and it was really successful.

"I have spent a lot of time during the off-season on the phone to get new players so it was great to just get them all on the pitch.

"We are taking a look at the trialists and they are also looking at us to decide if this is where they want to play next year.

"There were 27 or 28 down there so I think that was a really good start."

Trafford have been busy strengthening their squad with the additions of Mossley's Josh Granite, Ashton pair Ben Deegan and Mark Haslam, Radcliffe's Danny Lafferty and Danny Lambert, Congleton's Scott Sephton and ex-FC United of Manchester player Matty Kay.

Baker added: "We have got six pre-season sessions before we travel to face Brickfield FC in Wales on July 11.

"The games are going to be so important as we are building a new squad and it is not easy.

"There is a lot to do and we will be looking at formations ahead of season."