Saltash United have quickly put the disappointment of last season's lack of silverware behind them to build for the coming campaign.

The Ashes finished fifth in the Carlsberg South West Peninsula League Premier Division and were Cornwall Senior Cup runners-up, so they will be determined to improve on that this time round.

They have also retained all of their 2008-09 squad, although Shaun Manley is moving to London to teach and will only be available when he makes occasional returns to Cornwall.

Manager Kevin Hendy's first task was to ensure that last season's talented squad remained at Kimberley Stadium and, with the exception of Manley, he has aim achieved that aim.

Hendy did not waste any time in moving into the transfer market, adding real quality to his squad and will have raised a few eyebrows with the signing of the Peninsula League's leading goalscorer, Chris Wright, from cross-Tamar rivals Plymouth Parkway.

Wright hit 39 goals last term,

despite missing Parkway's last 13 games, to win the League's Golden Boot award, beating Torpoint Athletic's Adam Carter by two goals.

Wright was eager for the season to begin after his enforced lay-off, saying: 'I'm looking forward to starting the season at Saltash, where they have a very professional set-up with great facilities and a perfect playing surface.

'That is not to detract from Plymouth Parkway, as I had great time at Bolitho Park and made many friends. It was a very hard decision to leave Dave Leonard and Mark Gammon who I have nothing but total respect for.

'But I felt that Saltash were showing the ambition needed to make a push for winning the League, especially when you look at the signings that Kevin Hendy has added to a very strong squad.'

Wright revealed that he has suffered not reaction to his foot injury, explaining: 'I have been training hard throughout the close-season after being given the all-clear by the consultant that my fifth metatarsal was fully mended – and I cannot wait to get back to playing again.'

Parkway suffered a double hit from Saltash as Hendy returned to Bolitho Park to sign young defender John Heveran, who was being watched by several clubs after converting from central midfield to central defence.

His next move was to prise classy wide midfielder Martyn Sullivan away from Ivybridge Town, and he was quick to snap up 17-year-old midfielder Will Sherrell, after his release by Torquay United.

'I'm delighted to have completed four excellent signings in the first week of June, as I would normally had to wait until the pre-season begins to get a decision from players,' admitted the Ashes boss.

'Wright is a great acquisition, as you do not score 39 goals without being something special, and in Martyn Sullivan I believe we have a player that I would have voted for as the League's player of the season.

'Sully is very experienced, having having spent nine campaigns with Dorchester, and he will add strength to our midfield, whereas Heveran and Sherrell have youth on their side and can only continue to improve.

'Heveran had some rave reviews last season as one of the League's best defenders, and Sherrell is an exciting young talent.'

Hendy revealed that his squad, who were being touted by other teams, had decided to stay together, revealing: 'All the top sides wanted our players, but they have shown great loyalty to the club, as this is the fourth summer they have stayed together as a group.'

Saltash return to training on June 25, and have announced five pre-season friendlies, starting on Saturday, July 18, with Bridgwater at home; Wednesday, July 22, away to Budleigh Salterton; Wednesday, July 29, at Willand Rovers; Saturday, August 1, Taunton Town away and Tuesday, August 4, Stoke Gabriel away.