TOWN boss Andy King is heartened by brisk business in the club ticket office and has vowed to fight harder than ever to provide fans with some 'exciting' additions to his squad.

Sales are up on this time last season and King admits such news simply adds to his determination to push on with his recruitment drive.

He said: "I have heard figures of 20 per cent or so increases in ticket sales being bandied about. It makes me very happy to hear that and I hope it means the fans share my optimism about the season ahead.

"Not everyone has probably bought a ticket because they are optimistic, perhaps it's the prices. But whatever the reason, I'm happy they've done so.

"All I can promise them in return is that I will do my best to bring in players to improve what is already a good nucleus.

"I can say that I have spoken to people that excite me as a manager and I obviously hope that I am able to bring some of them to Swindon in the not too distant future.

"The fans are vital to this football club and the more they are able to back us, the stronger my chances of strengthening."

Dean Holdsworth remains one of the names on King's target list as does a young striker with a Premiership club and another weekend of phone calls beckons for the manager on both fronts.

Chief executive Mark Devlin said: "We have sold more tickets now than we had by the start of last season. I am very heartened by that and it's encouraging to say the least.

"My target is to see 2,500 season ticket holders by the end of 2003-4 and I think it is a target which is certainly attainable.

"I hope the fans are beginning to appreciate that we have tried to bring about stability after a turbulent few years and that there is a growing feeling of confidence in the club."

Former Town striker George Ndah is targeting a County Ground return at the start of pre-season.

The Wolves man has undergone a clear-up operation to attempt to solve a knee injury suffered in the play-off semi-finals last month.

He said: "The doctors have said it should take a few weeks to properly heal so I am setting my sights on being ready for the first friendly."

Ndah (pictured) is guaranteed a warm welcome as Wolves' promotion to the Premiership triggered a clause in the player's contract which guarantees Town a sizeable sum.

Tickets for the pre-season friendlies with Wolves, Portsmouth and Manchester United at the County Ground will go on general sale to supporters on Friday June 13.

Further details can be obtained on 0870 443 1894.