Dragons fired up to hit title peak again

The winter revolution at St Georges is in full flow - and it could make them the team to fear in this year's Furrows Shropshire Premier League.

Joint captains Tony Rhodes and Ian Gaut have already recruited three new players as they attempt to challenge for a first title since sealing back-to-back championships in 2007.

Scott Harries has made the move from Bylet after spending the last two seasons playing for the Dragons on a Monday night in the Midland Super League.

Andy Jones has returned to Telford's top dogs after a brief spell with Wrockwardine Wood and Staffordshire star Mark Picknell, who had a brief spell with Castlefields, has joined brother Glyn at St Georges.

While major doubts surround the future of former captain Mick Jones, Gaut is thrilled with his side's close-season additions so far.

"We are delighted with the signings," said Gaut. "I think we would have been competitive anyway, but I think these signings will hopefully ensure we can be up there challenging for the title.

"We have one or two other irons in the fire.

"We are speaking to at least another four people about signing for us - and at least one would probably go straight into the Premier League side."

Jones, who was ousted as skipper at the annual meeting late last year, is understood to be close to agreeing a move to one of St Georges' Premier rivals.

"We haven't spoke to Mick yet. We have heard he may be going to Newport - but we want to hear it from the horse's mouth before we know for sure."

But club officials are confident of retaining the services of four-time County Merit winner Peter Farmer, fresh from his golden year in 2009 which saw him win the County Handicap, Dickie Bond Classic at Donnington Wood and Burway Open.

"We have been speaking to Peter," confirmed Gaut.

"There is still a chance he could move on but we are fairly hopeful he will stay with us."

St Georges have also made a host of other additions to bolster club ranks.

And the reinforcements will be needed too after Gaut revealed the club will be fielding three teams on a Friday night, with the club's Worthington Mid Shropshire League division four champions on Mondays now accepting promotion to division three.