EARLY birds Stourport Swifts are already well into their pre-season training programme with manager Mark Phillips putting the players through their paces.

Swifts have secured several high profile friendly fixtures which include home games against Worcester City, Stourbridge and Kidderminster Harriers and Phillips claimed: "They should give us a good test and usually bring in a good crowd at the same time."

Swifts are also planning a trip to Welsh Premier League side Llandudno Town on July 30 and Phillips quipped: "You could look upon it as our big pre-season tour. Some sides go to La Manga we get Wales!"

Swifts are also hosting some games for Worcester City. This includes their attractive contest with Aston Villa on Saturday, July 16 which kicks-off at 3pm Worcester will also play their Senior Cup semi-final clash with Redditch United at Walshes Meadow on Tuesday, July 19 Swifts open their pre-season campaign against Worcester on July 9 and then entertain Stourbridge in a Friday night fixture on July 15, starting at 7-45pm.

They take on Kidderminster Harriers on Thursday, July 21 and then host neighbours Bewdley Town on Friday, July 29.

Busy Swifts have also arranged trips to Bewdley Town on Tuesday, July 12 and then travel to Southern League side Bishops Cleeve on Saturday, July 23.

Swifts also return to Phillips' former club Dudley Town on Wednesday, July 27.