MANAGER Paul Collicutt says he has seen “encouraging signs” from his Evesham United side in the opening month of the Evo-Stik Southern League Division One West season.

But he insists there is “room for improvement” as they kick off September with a visit to Bideford on Saturday (3pm).

Evesham, who finished in the play-offs last term, are in ninth position after two wins, one loss and one draw.

But August also saw them get knocked out of the FA Cup, losing to Newcastle Town in a preliminary round replay.

“It has gone OK but there is certainly room for improvement,” Collicutt said.

“We signed a few new lads during the summer so there is going to be a bedding-in period.

“But there have been encouraging signs.”

Striker Greg Peel, ex-Cheltenham Town youngster Jordan Lymn, the versatile Mat Liddiard and defender Matt Bennett arrived at the club.

“Mat has scored four goals from midfield, Greg scored two in our last game against North Leigh and Matt looks a cool character and has chipped in with a goal as well,” Collicutt continued.

“Jordan has yet to start for us in the league but is certainly one for the future.”

Evesham are gearing up to face fifth-placed Bideford but they will be without midfielder Lorcan Sheehan who is on holiday.

There are also doubts over the fitness of defender Matt Williams who suffered concussion in United’s 3-2 win over North Leigh last week.

“We have got a difficult game at Bideford,” Collicutt added.

“They are a big, strong side who have had a good start to the season.

"They won 5-1 in the FA Cup at the weekend so they are on a bit of a roll and we have certainly got our work cut out to go there and get a result.”

Evesham’s FA Trophy preliminary round tie against Cirencester Town at the Jubilee Stadium will now be on Sunday, October 8 (3pm), as tenants Gloucester City’s home fixture 24 hours earlier takes priority.

With Gloucester drawn at home in the FA Cup the Robins’ league clash against Wimborne Town has also been moved to Sunday, September 17 (3pm).