Winchester City have arranged a testing series of pre-season friendlies, which includes matches against Dr Martens League sides Weymouth, Newport, Salisbury and Eastleigh.

The club's squad was boosted by two newcomers when they reported back for pre-season training this week. Midfielder Mike Dean, who played 34 league games for AFC Bournemouth five years ago, has joined City from Eastleigh. The 25 year old has also had spells with Weymouth, Basingstoke and Dorchester and brings a wealth of experience to Neil Hards' squad. In addition, wing back Shaun Dyke has signed after a trial with City at the end of last season. Dyke, who's 24, was previously with Reading, Andover and Windsor & Eton. Former Fleet Town goalkeeper Simon Arthur was at Tuesday night's opening training session. The 19 year old broke a leg last season and is among the exodus of players from Calthorpe Park. But no deal has yet been discussed with him. City have arranged a string of attractive pre-season friendlies, starting with a visit to Petersfield Town on Tuesday July 22nd (7.30 pm) and a trip to Chichester City on Saturday 26th. The club then entertain Eastleigh in the first leg of the Hampshire Chronicle Cup at the City Ground on Sunday 27th (12.30 pm). Care home benefit The King's Worthy-based Merrydale Childrens Home (hospice care) will benefit from a slice of the 'gate' money and will also be collecting during the match. The respite care home is run under the auspices of Hampshire County Council. City's other matches see them play at home to Weymouth (now managed by Steve Claridge) on Tuesday 29th, and a visit from Cirencester Town on Saturday August 2nd (3 pm). They go to Ten Acres the following day (12.30 pm) to meet Eastleigh in the second leg of the Chronicle Cup. Matt Le Tissier will be making his final appearance for the home club. City's final pre-season friendlies are attractive home games against Newport I.W. on Tuesday August 5th (7.30) and Nick Hlomes' Salisbury City on Saturday 9th (3pm). l Anyone interested in attending City's training sessions should contact the club's director of football, David Malone, on 07798 792628. The sessions are held at Chilcomb on Tuesday and Thursday evenings (7pm) and on Saturday mornings (10 am).