WESTFIELDS manager Sean Edwards has confirmed he has spoken to former player Joel Edwards as he looks to bolster his squad ahead of next season.

Former Hereford captain Edwards played for Westfields before making the short switch to Hereford and it is understood he has received a number of offers since leaving Edgar Street.

"Joel has had lots of offers and, like everyone else, we have spoken to him," said Edwards.

"He has got some decisions to make and whether he wants to stay local or move out of Hereford.

"It would be a step back to our level and if he doesn't want to come, then we wish him all the best.

"But it would be foolish not to speak to him because he is a a fantastic player and a great lad.

"He is in a difficult position because he is a Hereford lad and, if he came to Westfields, people would see it as a step back.

"So he has a decision to make as to whether to stay local and come back to Westfields or go elsewhere.

"At the moment we are planning without him, but if he comes, then it will be a bonus."

Westfields have not reported any new signings yet, but Edwards has confirmed he has spoken to a number of players.

Of the players he has targeted, two are defenders, three are midfielders and two are strikers.

Meanwhile, some players from last season's squad have agreed to stay.

Craig Jones, Phil Glover, Sam Archer-Plane, Aidan Thomas, Alex Hainault and Ben Hayes have all committed, while Edwards is in talks with other members of the squad.

There were rumours linking Thomas with a move to Hereford Lads Club, which Edwards can understand.

"I would have thought Lads Club would love to sign him because he is mates with a lot of the players, but Aidan had a good year and I think he appreciates what Westfields have done for him," said Edwards.

"He is another player who suffers with hamstring problems, but he played really well last year. and played regularly."

However, Westfields will have to do without the services of Sirdic Grant for the first half of the season.

The former Hereford player is set to start his final year at Hartpury College and Edwards confirmed that they want him to play all of their games.

"They have stopped him playing on Saturdays until they are out of all competitions," said Edwards.

Westfields will start their season on August 5 and have pencilled in six pre-season matches.

They start away to Shortwood United on July 22 before playing fellow Southern League South & West club Bishops Cleeve three days later.

A trip to Malvern Town follows on July 27 before home matches against Caersws (July 29) and Slimbridge (August 1) wrap things up.