PORTHLEVEN'S soccer boss Alan Carey was back at Gala Parc in midweek to run his eye over the first training session of the club's pre-season programme.

It was only a few days earlier that he had been discharged from hospital following a health scare which proved not as serious as first thought.

Although not taking the session, Carey was able to take a look at a new group of players assembled during the short close-season break.

The reconstruction of the side appears to have followed a consistent pattern during the past few seasons and this has been no exception with a high number of players being brought in to replace those who do not figure in the manager's plan.

Carey has also been strengthening his backroom staff with former Fisherman George Torrance back as assistant manager and Dave Gardner, who has returned to the club as coach after a spell at Penzance. Mark Damerell has been released from his role as assistant manager.

With Torrance and Gardner back on board, Carey has surrounded himself with one of the best off-the- pitch teams in the county.

The list of new names revealed by Carey is quite extensive and as well as those already signed, on Tuesday evening he added the name to the squad of the much-sought-after former St Ives striker Matt Shiels.

Gary Penhaligon is still the number one 'keeper, but stiffening the back four is one of the league's best defenders, Dave Sweet from Falmouth Town. Also signed from Falmouth is the former county youth midfielder/striker Bryn Wheeler.

Richard Triggs, Nick Medlyn, and Darren Holsey have resigned, but there is still a doubt over Chris Strike who has been receiving overtures from other clubs.

Carey has also snapped up two other former players in the shape of Nigel Thwaites and Alan Roberts who will add considerable experience to the side. Promising young striker Luke Heelan from St Agnes has signed along with Johnny Herbert, a talented youngster from Plymouth.

Carey has also brought in two players who have already won championships, powerhouse Luke Hodge and midfielder Gary Wheildon, both from Bodmin Town.

John Burrows and Matt Latham will not figure on a week-to-week basis, but will help out if required. Latham is now working in Bristol and Burrows wants to spend more time with his family.

Of the other players, Adrian Bleasedale is expected to sign and Craig Swiggs and Jamie Morrison-Hill were expected to see Carey later this week to put pen to paper.

Lee Harvey has chosen to join Liskeard Athletic because of the amount of travelling he has to do, but there is no place at Gala Parc for Wayne Hillson or Dave Larsen.

Porthleven's friendlies are - Notts County, July 24; RNAS Culdrose, July 27, Newquay, July 31 (all home), and Torrington (away) on August 3.