EDDIE Howe believes his new-look Cherries are a work in progress but he is confident they will be ready for the big kick-off.

After the 4-0 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, Cherries continue their pre-season warm-up campaign with their annual trip to Hamworthy Recreation tonight (6.30pm).

A clash at Wessex League champions Poole Town will follow tomorrow (7.45pm) and boss Howe will use the games to experiment with the resources at his disposal.

He said: “We need to improve but we will as pre-season goes on, and I’m sure come the first game we’ll be ready.

“The games in midweek will be really good for us and we will look at certain things.

“We experimented with a system in the first half on Saturday. We may well experiment again but I think it’s beneficial for the players to do that.

“We’re constantly trying to work and get better. We’re a work in progress at the moment because we’re a new team.”

Meanwhile, Howe is unlikely to field a stream of trialists during pre-season, but has again hinted at the possibility of further new signings.

He added: “I don’t see the need for trialists when you only want to bring in people with a view to signing them. I don’t want to waste anybody’s time.

“We’ve got a good squad. There may still be a couple of additions to come. The door is never shut and we may get in trialists, but, at this moment in time, we’re happy with what we’ve got.”

• Grimsby Town have announced the signing of former Cherries striker Alan Connell on a two-year deal, with the option of a further season.

Connell will be attempting to fire the Mariners back into the Football League.