Berwick is brought in to bolster Brakes

A tame semi-final defeat was a poor return for a season which promised much and the Leamington boss believes that by retaining the core of the 2010/11 squad, his side will be well-placed to surpass their fifth-placed finish.

Brakes have had to fight off stiff competition to retain a number of players, in particular supporters’ player of the year Jamie Hood and striker Jacob Blyth, with Holleran pointing to the team spirit as a major factor in their decisions to commit themselves to the New Windmill.

“There has been a fair bit of interest from other clubs in a number of our players, particularly Jamie and young Jacob,” said Holleran.

“They have shown their loyalty to the club in the face of good offers but have also bought into what we are seeking to build here at the club.”

Holleran is equally delighted to have agreed terms with players’ player of the year Lee Downes and influential defender Stephan Morley who collected the manager’s player of the year award.

“The three older lads recognise that we are building something here and were quick to agree terms with me.

“Talks are progressing well with the others and I am pretty hopeful that the majority of last season’s squad will be with us for next season.”

Further good news came with the announcement that terms have been agreed with Tony Breeden, Michael Tuohy, Scott Lycett, Liam Daly, Richard Batchelor, James Husband and Alex Taylor.

Holleran added: “Continuity is important as it helps team spirit and we saw the benefits of that in the run-in to the end of last season.

“I am delighted they have all agreed to stay. Hopefully, we will be able to sort out things with some of the other lads and I am also looking to freshen and strengthen the squad with two or three new faces.

“I like to keep some of my options open during the close season as you never know which players may become available.

“We will also be looking at a number of trialists during pre-season training.”

One of the confirmed new signings is Daventry Town striker Tom Berwick.

The 24-year-old scored 52 goals for Town two season ago as they romped to the United Counties Premier League title and followed that up with 30 goals last season, despite missing the opening seven games of the season.

Berwick had started the campaign at Nuneaton Town, but despite a prolific pres-season, he found opportunities limited in the Blue Square North and was allowed to return to Communications Park on loan.

“Tom is a player I have been following for some time,” said Holleran.

“He is a good age and is hungry for success. Both he and young Jacob Blyth have good attitudes, work hard and want to succeed. I am excited to see how they develop.

“I am still trying to bring in a few fresh faces and finalise deals with existing players but I have to be happy with progress so far.”

n The provisional line-up for the 2011/12 Zamaretto Premier Division could see seven new faces line up against Brakes.

St Albans City and Redditch United have been relegated from the Conference South and North respectively, while Arlesey Town and Hitchin Town have gained promotion from Division One Central.

AFC Totton and Frome Town make the step up from Division One South & West, while Barwell have been transferred on promotion from the Northern Premier League Division One South.

Hednesford Town, who lost out in the Zamaretto Premier play-off final to Salisbury, are expected to line up in the Northern Premier League.