NEW Westfields signing Sam Rawlings is confident his team can challenge for the Midland Football League Premier Division next season.

The allpay.park side are celebrating their 50th anniversary this year and have already signed three new players.

Full-back Rawlings joins from Shortwood United, while strikers Richard Greaves and Jamie Molyneux have also come on board.

Rawlings grew up in Hereford and went to St Mary's R.C. High School before moving to Gloucestershire when he was 16.

He has starred for Gloucester City and last term played for Shortwood in Southern Football League Division One South & West.

"I have moved back to the area and was looking for a local team," said Rawlings.

"Westfields are a quality team and Sean [Edwards] has brought in a couple of good strikers.

"And when you've got the likes of Craig Jones and Sam Gwynne in your team, then hopefully we will challenge for the title.

"It's the 50th anniversary of the club so we want to have a good season and do better than we did last year.

"I am dropping down a level, but hopefully we will have a good season and win the title, so it will only be for one year."

Manage Edwards says Rawlings has all the pedigree that he was looking for.

"He is an excellent defender who is comfortable as a right or left back," said Edwards.

"He will give us good competition for places along with good experience."

Having lost Jamie Cuss to neighbours Hereford FC, Westfields' captain for next season is Phil Glover, with Jones acting as vice-captain.

Glover said he is delighted to don the armband.

"With it being our 50th anniversary year, it means that little bit more," he said.

"Myself and all the lads will be doing everything possible to bring success back to the club, with promotion obviously the main aim.

"Edo [Sean Edwards] has been busy getting in some fresh faces who will no doubt add to the quality we already have.

"Everyone at the club is excited and raring to go."

Westfields start their pre-season programme with an away trip to Welsh League side Caersws on Saturday, July 16, before going to Malvern Town the following Thursday.

Their first home game is against Bewdley Town on Saturday, July 23 before hosting Bishops Cleeve three days later.

The last Saturday in July sees Westfields go to Slimbridge before facing Bridgnorth Town in the Denis Hartland Memorial Trophy at allpay.park on Tuesday, August 2.