The Tulips endured a dismal last season when cast adrift at the bottom of the Unibond Division One South standings, but they were spared relegation due to another club's ground failing to meet the requirements for that level of football.

Biley is determined the Sir Halley Stewart Field side won't find themselves in the same position again, although his plans for the new campaign have been thrown off target by a first competitive fixture on Tuesday night.

Spalding face Boston United in a Lincolnshire Senior Trophy tie on Tuesday night and as it is in an official competition, all players involved must be signed on – something which scuppered his initial idea of not signing any players until days before the start of the season proper.

Biley said: "My philosophy is to give players time to prove themselves during pre-season and then sign the ones I wish to take on.

"I certainly wasn't planning to make any signings this early and the fans have to realise that the team against Boston won't necessarily be the one that lines up in the first game of the league season.

"We currently have a couple of lads away after getting married, others who are on holiday and a couple who have not come in yet.

"If it is a choice between winning against Boston and having a side which can perform a lot better in the league than last season, then the latter wins hands down every time.

"The main concern for me was to add some quality to the squad and I certainly feel that has happened. Things needed to be shaken up after last season and I'm pleased with the way things are coming along."

Former Spalding captain Dan Holyoak leads an impressive list of Tulips signings. City-based striker Ryan Francis is another Tulips newcomer along with local goalkeeper Richard Roberts (left) who will vye with James Doughty for the number one spot.

Ex-Stamford man Mark Angel (who finished last season at Bourne) has also signed and Biley is excited by the capture of young Corby-based winger Matty O'Neill.

Andy Stanhope, Adam Buckley, David Hone and Stuart Goosey are also back at the club, but the most eye-catching arrival is former Hitchin and Fleet striker Ricky Miller who is moving to the area from Hampshire just to link up with the Tulips.

"It is a magnificent commitment from an excellent player," added Biley. "I know Ricky well as he played for me at Rothwell and it is tremendous to have him on board."

Those players will be involved tomorrow when Spalding have a friendly at Swineshead.