SWIFTS manager Richard Colwell is hoping to complete his squad building this summer with the re-signing of influential centreback Dene Whittal-Williams.

The defender has agreed in principle to returning to Walshes Meadow in time for the start of the Southern League Division One West and South this weekend.

The club thought they had lost one of their best players from last season when he went on trial at Worcester City this summer but after that didn’t work out, Colwell swooped to get his man.

The defender is also set to be named club captain, with Chris Duggan the vice-skipper.

“If there was one player that I would have liked to bring in, it would have to be Dene,” commented Colwell.

“He’s well-known and well-liked by players, he has the respect of everyone here and is also an excellent defender.

“We spoke to him on Tuesday night and while we have yet to dot the i’s and cross the t’s, he has agreed in principle.”

The impending addition of the defender means Swifts have a 19-man squad going into a tough opening start to the league.

They go to Mangotsfield United on Saturday (3pm kick-off) and visit Clevedon Town on Tuesday night (7.45pm kick-off).

Player/coach Ross Collins could play a part on Saturday after coming through a training session on Tuesday night okay.

The only absence for Saturday’s opening game in Gloucestershire is Dane Aldington.

Swifts ended their pre-season campaign with a 5-1 loss to Stourbridge on Saturday.

Dean Bromley scored a leveller for the home team, but a side missing several regulars were no match for the Glassboys.

“I don’t think the performance was as bad as the scoreline suggested,” said Colwell, “There were some pleasing things and Stourbridge are a side we would love to copy.”