FOOTBALL players from as far as Africa are calling on Weston’s management for a chance to play in the side next season.

Assistant manager John Hale has told the Mercury his phone has been ‘red hot’ with players asking for a trial prior pre-season training, which begins next week.

But, governed by a tight budget and an intent not to disrupt a settled side, Hale admitted many would be unsuccessful in their bid to join the team.

The squad is now sized at 17 players following the signing up of nine first-team players to contracts last month.

The team has also been boosted by the arrivals of strikers Matt Huxley, Chris Young and Mike MacKay.

Hale said: “With the new season round the corner our phones have been red hot with players wanting to come and play for us.

“We get the youngsters from around the area, some high-profile players released from teams in leagues above ours and many unknown to us from abroad.

“We’ve had players from the Belgium second division wanting to come to us because they like English football – but we are not a large club and can not splash out on big wages. Our policy is we approach players we have been scouting and have followed for a while.”

The players interested in joining Weston are invited for training at the Woodspring Stadium from June 30.

But, Hale warns, they will be whittled down quickly ahead of important pre-season friendly games against Bristol City, Bristol Rovers and Cardiff City.

He said: “We’re unlikely to bring many more players in because of our budget and our willingness to stick with our squad.

“We will, however, always be looking out that little gem which could improve our team.”

Weston’s busy pre-season fixture list begins with a trip to Bideford Town on July 16.