STOURPORT Swifts manager Mark Phillips believes his young squad is ready for a testing start to the 2015-16 season in the Midlands Premier.

The Walshes Meadow outfit kick-off the campaign at Rocester on Saturday (3pm ko) before what is set to be a high profile clash against newly-formed Hereford FC (7.45pm ko).

The Bulls ,who were formed from the ashes of Hereford United, are set to bring a 1,000 strong travelling army for the club’s first ever away game.

Phillips took over as Swifts manager in May after joining from Dudley Town’s under-21s team and has largely rebuilt the squad although he has retained the services of Jamie Willetts and Paul Hurrell and added experienced players such as Reece Shilvock.

He said: “The players have worked very hard in pre-season and we’ve also had some good results and performances.

“You can’t really judge the team until the competitive games start but we’re looking forward to it.

“This will be the first time some of the lads will have played at this level but they’re all looking forward to the season and we do have guys who are experienced at this level.

“This our first season so we’ll be looking to consolidate and go from there.”

An experimental Swifts side ended the season with a 3-1 loss to Bewdley Town.

Ashley Stubbins had fired Town ahead and Joe Maffei added a second, before Ben Maund pulled one back.

Jordan Graham then bagged a third for Bewdley.