NEW manager Phil Mullen can’t wait to begin as Bewdley Town got their pre-season training underway this week.

The vastly experienced former Bromsgrove Rovers and Kidderminster Harriers boss met the players on Tuesday before putting them through their paces.

He is relishing the task in hand at Bewdley after he and number two Paul ‘Ocker’ Davies filled the gap left by retiring management team of Craig Payton and Bryan Lacey.

He said: “I am raring to go, I’m looking forward to the challenge.

“I haven’t been involved with football for five years since Stourport Swifts and I was happy to look after my business, which is going well.

“But when Bewdley put the idea to me about taking over I was very interested.

“I knew Craig very well and the chairman and they’ve done a good job.

“The club is well organised and always does well in the West Midlands Premier, so it’s a great place to be joining.

“Now I can’t wait for all the action to start.”

Mullen is hoping to set up a pre-season friendly clash against Heath Hayes in Lilleshall for this Saturday.

Their friendly games at home commence on July 12, when they entertain Stourbridge and Worcester City a week later (both 3pm ko).

Bewdley travel to Badesley Rangers on July 22 (7pm ko), before a small trip to Stourport Swifts on July 29 and a home clash against Evesham on August 2.

Town are also hoping to add another pre-season clash on July 26. Mullen has taken control of a squad which had finished last season strongly but has seen striker Chris Hough and Craig Webb retire.