MARINE boss Dave Webb is much happier with the state of his squad than he was at this point last year.

With just under a fortnight until the new Southern League Division One West season kicks off the Webb’s Wood outfit are missing just a couple of pieces in their squad’s jigsaw.

Over the weekend Marine confirmed the signature of young stopper Dan Lawrence, who will act as back-up to new number one Matt Bulman. The only hole Webb has to fill is the left-sided defensive one created by Mark Flanagan’s decision to join Kidlington.

As such the Marine chief is delighted with how is side is shaping up, especially considering this time 12 months ago he was struggling for numbers with injuries and absentees reaching into double figures.

“I’m pleased with where we’re at with a couple of weeks before the season starts and we’ve still got more pre-season games to get in,” said Webb “We’re in really good shape compared to where we were 12 months ago.

“There’s competition for places all over the team, in the wide areas, now up-top we’ve got competition, in midfield we’ve got competition and the back four.

“It’s about getting minutes into everyone in the squad and having everyone fit for August 8 when we go to Banbury.”

With Lawrence now on board the goalkeeping picture in South Marston looks strong.

Webb thought he might struggle to replace last season’s number one Sam Warrell, who like Flanagan left to join Kidlington, but having brought in Bulman the Marine boss believes he has got a top player.

“I’d have to say one our best signings so far has been Matt Bulman,” added Webb. “He’s been absolutely terrific, in training, everything, he just does it properly.

“It was a difficult decision who to bring in when Sam Warrell left, but I think we really have got the probably one of, if not the best, keepers I’ve had the pleasure to work with since I’ve been in management.

“So that’s a great starting point for us.”