COUNTY coach Tony James believes Westfields will be much stronger next season after helping out in their training sessions.

James, who made 277 appearances for Hereford United and started for the re-formed Hereford FC at the start of last season, has been helping out at Westfields as the allpay.park side prepare for the new campaign.

The 37-year-old has been working with strength and conditioning coach Ady Watts since leaving Edgar Street and has offered his tips to the Westfields players.

"I had a phone call from [manager] Sean Edwards asking me if I could come down because I had been working with Ady Watts on conditioning work," said James.

"But because [fellow coach] Andy Bevan was away, I ended up taking the training session and it was great.

"I know some of the lads and it was a good opportunity for me.

"I didn't run them for fun, but we did a lot of football work and had some small-sided games.

"They all looked quite sharp.

"There's a good mix of players there and they are technically good."

James added he's not sure what his plans will be once the season starts.

"I've not discussed anything, but I'm happy to help out in any way I can if they are struggling," said James.

One player who missed the end of last season due to injury was influential midfielder Craig Jones.

But James has already seen signs that Jones is regaining his fitness.

"Craig has done a lot of work with Ady on the issues he has had," said James.

"He has devised a programme for him and I have seen a big improvement in him already.

"Hopefully it will benefit the team because he is a key player for them."

Westfields finished a disappointing 16th in Midland Football League Premier Division last season and James is the first to admit that a good start is key.

James was part of a Hereford FC team that lost three of their opening five games before manager Pete Beadle changed things around, resulting in James leaving the club.

"The main thing is is to have a really good start because that gives you momentum," said James.

"They need a good start to pre-season though and put right the things that went wrong last season.

"I enjoyed it at Hereford, but I found it difficult adjusting work and playing and I found it difficult to focus.

"I did find the level difficult, but it was a good experience.

"It was fantastic that they got promoted and, with the fan base they have got, everything has skyrocketed."

Westfields start their pre-season programme with an away game against Caersws (3pm kick-off).