MANAGEMENT team Chris Richards and Dave Titterton have the squad well motivated and ready for Ludlow Town's opening game at home on Saturday, kick off 3pm.

Their first opponents in the West Midlands Premier Division at the SBS (Shropshire Building Supplies) Stadium this season are Dudley Town.

This will be swiftly followed by the first of Ludlow's big home derbies next Wednesday (August 23) against Bridgnorth Town, kick off 7.45pm.

In 2005, Ludlow were relegated from the Midland Alliance since which time they have been rebuilding.

Richard's said: "Our aim this season is to entertain and improve on the foundations laid down last season. We have good commitment at the club and the lads are more confident of bringing success to Ludlow.''

He added: "We want to see Ludlow people coming through the turnstile to watch Ludlow Town. We can build on last year's performances, finish higher up the league and give the town a team to be proud of.''

For their opening games, Ludlow will be without main striker and last season's top scorer Ollie Kesterton (ankle ligaments) but the rest of the squad of 20 are fit.

Richards said: "This will be an opportunity for our other strikers to show Dave and I what they can do.''

Club honours include: West Midlands Regional League Premier Division champions 2000/01; Division Two champions 1978/79; Shropshire County Challenge Cup winners 1973/74, 1993/94, 1994/95 and 1996/97.

Club records: Best league performance, 10th in Midland Alliance, 2001/02; Best FA Cup performance, 2nd qualifying round, 2004/05 Best FA Vase performance, 1st round, 2003/04 and 2004/05.