WARRINGTON Town commence their pre-season at Newi Cefn Druids on Saturday and will kick off their 2008/09 UniBond First Division North campaign with a home fixture against promoted Salford City on August 16.

Town play their first friendly against Welsh Premier League opposition in Cefn Mawr near Wrexham on Saturday at 2.30pm and have been switched from First Division South into the northern section for the forthcoming season, with August trips to Bamber Bridge and Mossley following their Salford opener.

The Yellows will also face former Football League side Halifax Town during the season after the financially-troubled club were demoted three divisions from the Conference to UniBond First Division North, which has 21 clubs this year with 40 fixtures in a return to a conventional home and away format.

Town visit The Shay on September 16 before a potentially lucrative home fixture against the well-supported club on February 14.

Paul Moore’s side have been drawn away to North West Counties Premier Division side Winsford United or Nostell Miners Welfare, of the West Yorkshire League, in the FA Cup preliminary round on August 30 and are likely to face an away tie against Radcliffe Borough if they progress.

Town are also away to rivals Chorley in the FA Trophy preliminary round on October 4, with the winners travelling to Matlock Town.

The Yellows host Colwyn Bay in the UniBond League Challenge Cup first round on September 30 and are away to Skelmersdale or Kidsgrove in the second round of the President’s Cup on October 14.

Town, who have also arranged pre-season fixtures at Helsby on July 17 and at Ruthin on July 23, have signed midfielder Jamie Holme from Marine but have lost captain Tom Spearitt to Premier Division side Cammell Laird.

Moore said: “Jamie Holme is a very strong midfield player, who works hard for the team and is technically very good.

“He was just what I was looking for in the middle of the heart of the team.

“Tom Spearitt had said he wanted to play in the league above and I wished him well.

“He was a good captain for me last season when I needed to steady the club.

“He is a loss to us and it will be hard to fill the gap he has left but we have recruited well this season and hopefully that gap will not be too large.”

Moore has three more potential captures training with the squad but has narrowly missed out to Colwyn Bay in his bid to capture Dean Canning and Rob Hopley.

Goalkeeper Richie Mottram has returned to Cantilever Park from Prescot Cables.

Midfielder Kevin Towey has returned from Marine and central defender Matty Farrell has agreed a new deal with Town.

Click here for the 2008/09 fixture list.