Cooper Avon who gained promotion to the premier division at the end of last season have added six new players to their squad in an attempt to bring the top flight title back to Melksham for the first time since Cooper Avon Rangers topped the table back in 2000.

Manager Gary Newman has added experienced midfielder Ashley Groves who was with AFC Melksham last term, Groves was also part of the Copper Avon Rangers side who had great success back in the 90's.

Former, Winsley striker Dan Kovacs joins the tyremen and should add to their goal tally as he is a proven goal scorer with Toolstation League side Westbury United.

Another of Cooper's close season signings is effervescent midfielder Luke Turvey who in Newman's has long been Foresters best player.

The pick of the bunch is probably youngster Ben Macey who is the brother of the highly rated Dave Macey. Ben is a member of the Wiltshire under 18 squad and scored on his debut for Melksham Town last season Matt Sharp made a scoring debut for Cooper in the recent Bath City 5-a-side tournament and according to Newman he was eager to sign for Melksham's top Sunday league side.

Garry Meakin has been bought in as a replacement Leigh Purps. Newman released Purps who has signed for local rivals FC Jager as it was felt he couldn't make the step up to the Premier Division.

Cooper Avon got of to a flyer in their first friendly beating Atworth United 7-1, new boy Turvey scored a hat trick with Graham Griffiths and Tom Robinson scoring two apiece.

Cooper have friendlies against Miller Sports (23rd August) and FC Jager (30th August) to look forward to before they kick off for real on the 6th September against Potterne.