TOWN enter a tough start to the new UniBond League First Division season with nine new signings and 11 Warringtonians on their books.

Joint managers Glenn Walker and Nick Armitage will gain an early impression of their young squad's capabilities when they face two of the promotion favourites in the opening week.

Town play at Bradford Park Avenue, relegated from the Premier Division last season, on Saturday at 3pm and then entertain Staffordshire side Kidsgrove Athletic at Cantilever Park on Tuesday at 7.45pm.

The Yellows will be missing captain Dougie Pitts for the opener and tricky frontman Phil Mitchell for the first three games, with suspensions hanging over them from the end of last season.

And before the final line-up can be determined one or two players' availability, including lead striker Simon Burton, will have to be assessed at training tonight, Thursday, following holidays and niggling injuries.

But Town's chiefs have worked hard in pre-season to assemble a squad of 22 players and they have high hopes despite the inexperience in the ranks - they only have one player aged over 28!

Armitage said: "In terms of the goal for the season ahead, I would like us to get into sixth spot for the play-offs.

"We have got a very young side, probably the youngest in the league, and if there are any concerns it's the lack of experience but I'd like to give the young players a chance and we can look at adding to the squad if our views change.

"We expect a result at Bradford on Saturday. Just like our opponents on Tuesday, Kidsgrove, they have ploughed money into the side and are two of the favourites to go up.

"Bradford will be optimistic against us on Saturday but I think it might be a good time to play them."

One Town player who looks to have forced himself into the reckoning earlier than expected is striker Clint Burton, a 19-year-old recruit from Mid-Cheshire Soccer League side Greenalls Padgate St Oswalds.

After being released by Liverpool as a youngster, he did a fine job for Armitage at the manager's previous club Barnton and has impressed with his speed of thought at Cantilever Park during pre-season matches.

He scored both of Town's goals with headers from Graeme Mitchell corners in Saturday's 2-1 friendly win at Welsh Alliance League side Buckley Town.

If he does get the nod up front on Saturday, he is likely to be up against Bradford's new central defender signing, 41-year-old journeyman and former Barnsley, Bradford City and Charlton Premiership star Neil Redfearn.

Town squad: Steve Akrigg, aged 19, centre half; David Berry, 21, striker (promoted from reserves); Clint Burton, 19, striker (signed from Greenalls); Simon Burton, 19, striker (signed from Colwyn Bay); Matty Farrell, 26, defender; Chris Fitzsimmons, 28, defender; Robert Hanley, 22, striker (signed from Greenalls); Lee Hughes, 23, midfielder (signed from Winsford); Dean Jennings, 19, winger; Darren Kinsey, 19, utility (signed from Greenalls); Michael Langley, 22, goalkeeper (signed from Knutsford); Neil Larkin, 31, midfielder (signed from Runcorn); Steve Latham, 23, midfielder; Graeme Mitchell, 25, striker; Phil Mitchell, 23, winger/striker; Lee Pennington, 27, midfielder/defender; Dougie Pitts (captain), 23, centre half; Andrew Potter, 18, midfielder; Craig Robinson, 21, centre half or right back (signed from Winsford); Danny Salt, 28, defender; Dave Tickle, 27, midfielder; Karl Wills, 18, goalkeeper (signed from Crewe).