HEYBRIDGE Swifts boss Keith Wilson has admitted being delighted with his rapid rebuilding work.

The squad was left severely depleted during a turbulent spell earlier this summer, following previous manager Jody Brown’s decision to join Grays Athletic.

However, Wilson has moved quickly to bring in reinforcements and now feels sure he has a strong, competitive outfit ready for the new Ryman One North season.

The former Burnham Ramblers boss has bolstered his defensive options by signing right-back Dave Collis, in addition to centre-half Michael Fitzgibbon, from neighbours Maldon and Tiptree, former Braintree Town man Steve Good, Ricky Spriggs, from FC Clacton, and Nico Farthing, from Brantham Athletic.

Ex-Swift Andy Tomlinson is back to beef up the club’s midfield and fresh attacking options include Billy Hunt, who has followed Wilson across from Burnham, Alex Andrews, who has joined from Chelmsford City, Jordan Palmer, from Halstead Town, and Tom Holdstock, who was at the club previously but spent last season on loan at Clacton.

“I’m really pleased with the way things have gone in a short space of time,” said Wilson, who will gel his new signings with key existing players like Danny Sambridge, Danny Barber, Andy Joslin and Reece Morgan.

“The club hit rock bottom, so to speak, but now we’re on our way back up."

Swifts have enjoyed three very positive pre-season results.

The first two were against Ryman Premier opposition, having drawn 3-3 with Canvey Island last Tuesday and then drawn 2-2 at home to Witham Town on Friday.

They then held Conference South outfit Chelmsford City to a 0-0 draw at Scraley Road on Tuesday night.