Clitheroe manager Pete Smith is gearing up for a summer of rebuilding after losing a number of high-profile players to so-called more "attractive" clubs in the hope of furthering their careers.

However, the Blues manager refuses to dwell on the loss of team members and has set his sights well and truly on drafting in more players who will strengthen the squad.

And the search has begun well in advance with four or five new faces expected to be joining the Ribble Valley club shortly. A number of trialists have also joined in hope of securing a contract.

Smith said: "We haven't started training yet. Our first session is on July 2nd so that's when it all begins. I can't register any new players just yet so I haven't officially signed any new faces.

"I've got five or six lads I'm ready to sign. They are coming down and I've shook hands with them. There's still two or three I'm trying to get to come so there'll be a few new faces. We needed some fresh blood in the squad and these new players should strengthen the team. There will be a lot of twists and turns before the new season begins."

He added: "I'm drafting in a centre-half, a central midfielder, a winger and a striker who have all got Unibond experience. They've played at this level before and they know what it's all about. I've even got a few trialists in as well so hopefully we can unearth some talent there.

"They are North West Counties standard, but that's where Dave Hankin and Ian Flannery came from. There are always players from that level that can make the step up. I will feel more confident once they have signed their registration forms and they're in.

"As far as I'm concerned they'll all be Clitheroe players next season."

The Shawbridge side have lost the likes of popular club stalwart Neil Reynolds to Bamber Bridge, Dave Hankin to Stalybridge Celtic, Anthony Johnson to Ramsbottom and Ian Flannery to Accrington Stanley in recent weeks, but no time has been wasted in replacing them.

Pacy winger Zac Clark, former Conference player Gavin Lee Ellison, 6ft striker Anthony Murt and young former Blackpool central defender Kev Brown are all expected to sign deals, while last season's new signing Ashley Parillon, who picked up an injury, is also chomping at the bit for a return.

Smith said: "Any player who gets a chance to play at a higher level I will push and encourage them to do so. I won't stand in their way. You can't stop players from being given the opportunity to play a higher standard of football. It would be selfish of me to stop them.

"That is what football is all about; players want the chance to further their career and if they want to do that then it's up to me to encourage them.

"If it doesn't work out for the players that have gone then I'd welcome them back. The door is always open for those kind of players."

He added: "These new players will blend in nicely with the players that we currently have. It is going to be a good league again and I am looking forward to the challenge. We have got a great bunch of lads here. There is a lot of players wanting to prove a point this season.

"There are still one or two players in the pipeline so things are looking up for Clitheroe FC. My aim at the beginning of each season is to win the league. We beat some good teams last year so if we can be consistent then who knows."