NEW boss Gavin Reeves is set to retain five of Verwood Town’s longest-serving players ahead of the new campaign.

The ex-Poole Town and Potters coach will take his first steps in management with Chris Lynch, Charlie Gajic, Dean Evans, Russell Dyer and Ben Kelly in his corner.

Reeves is keen to keep hold of many of last season’s squad but admits the likes of Aaron Atkinson, Max Brimson, Brad Goddard, Tyler Rutten and 19-goal top scorer Joe Wood are likely to weigh up their options.

Former Poppies and Christchurch striker Jack Swann will have to miss most midweek matches due to work commitments but may still sign, while fellow hitman Jordan Fisk “has a few options”.

Reeves told the Daily Echo: “There have been clubs sniffing around a couple of players so some have not made up their minds but have said they will come training.

“Hopefully, we will hold on to the majority.”

On Wood, he added: “I spoke to Joe before I went on holiday and he said he would come to pre-season training. He is 99 per cent sure he’s going to play for us. He would be a major signing and seems quite keen.”