NEW-LOOK Shortwood United face a tough Southern League opener at home to FA Vase winners Shoiling on Saturday (3pm).

The Nailsworth outfit have signed Gloucester City striker Will Morford and may include goal machine Duncan Culley, who has been on trial at Cheltenham Town and Bristol Rovers.

Joint manager John Evans said: “ Will is an experienced striker, who will certainly do a job for us and i am delighted he has chosen us to come too – he is a good lad and there were other clubs in for him.“

Morford signed for Gloucester in October 2007 having previously played for Slimbridge under Evans. he has also played for Hartpury College and England Universities. He was named Gloucester’s Supporters’ Player of the Season for 2011/12 and has scored 62 goals in 272 appearances for the Tigers.

The Nailsworth side finished one point outside the play-offs last season but a tougher test is expected with a raft of players leaving Meadowbank following their run to the FA Cup first round.

Adam Mann, Marc Richards and Sam Avery have joined Conference North outfit Gloucester City. Captain Jake Parrott has moved to London and James Baldwin won a pro deal in Sweden. Striker Kevin Slack has moved to Evesham United.

Evans and co-manager Alex Sykes are set to hand debuts to former Exeter City defender Phil Veal, ex-Gloucester City right-back Sam Rawlings, Brimscombe midfielder Ben Snook, former Cheltenham Town striker Jake Lee.

Shortwood have also snapped-up up giant Welsh striker Lewis Sommers from Mangotsfield United.

New captain James Coates is set to miss the start of the season, so Ash Thomas will reclaim the band.

Shortwood face Tiverton Town at home on Tuesday. (August 12).