NORTHWICH Vics boss Mark Gardiner has underlined his intention to transform his side's fortunes for the coming season by making a triple transfer swoop.

Former Barnsley and Burnley central defender Steve Davis has joined the Drill Field ranks this week, along with Runcorn midfielder Colin Rose and Hednesford striker Ged Kimmins.

The trio, who have all impressed in pre-season outings for Vics, join three more new recuits who have already been snapped up - striker Adie Mike, midfielder Peter Holcroft and winger Carl Laurie.

The signings show that Gardiner means business for the new campaign following a disappointing showing from Vics last season, when they flirted with relegation before finishing a lowly 18th in the Nationwide Conference.

With the new season's opening league clash - a tough test away to Kingstonian - now just 10 days away, Gardiner is happy that his plans are shaping up nicely.

Last week's two friendlies - a 2-0 defeat by Crewe Alexandra's strongest side and a 5-2 win over Barnton - saw encouraging displays from Vics, and with more new players coming into the club, Gardiner's mood is buoyant.

He said: "It's shaping up as I would have liked. The pre-season games are all designed purely to get us fit - there are no points or medals at stake at this stage - but we have performed well.

"Against Crewe we conceded two early goals but then gave as good as we got against a quality side, and the second half was a very even battle. It was a very creditable showing and we could have scored goals."

On Saturday, Vics should have been hosting Hartlepool, but the north east side were forced to pull out because of an injury crisis. Barnton stepped in at late notice and gave Vics a good game.

"It was a good, testing workout for us, and all credit to Barnton," Gardiner said. "They provided good opposition for us."

Gardiner acknowledged that Vics will face a stiff test at Kingstonian on the opening day of the season, but he added: "They will all be tough this year.

"In the past there might have been one or two slightly weaker teams, but that doesn't look to be the case this time."

Gardiner said that he is looking to strengthen his side still further before the big kick-off. Mark Birch has departed for Carlisle, so the manager is hoping to bring another full-back into his squad.

Vics will finalise their pre-season preparations this week with two more friendlies - away to Connah's Quay tomorrow, Thursday (7.30pm) and at Leek on Saturday (3pm).

Gardiner has injury worries over Mike Devlin, Adie Mike (both groin) and Peter Holcroft (ankle), but is hopeful that they will all be fit for the Kingstonian game.

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