MATT Glass, two-goal hero of Farnham Town’s Challenge Cup triumph 15 months ago, has rejoined the club after a spell with Guildford City.

It’s a major boost for Paul Tanner, Farnham’s long-serving manager, who has lost a couple of key players to near-neighbours Alton, but has made several signings himself as he puts the final touches to his first-team squad after a promising pre-season programme.

Glass is his most notable capture. The UK Armed Forces striker scored twice in Farnham’s 3-1 Challenge Cup victory against Camberley in May, 2016.

The other goal was scored by Mark Corbett, newly installed as Alton’s manager, who has tempted Ben Williams and Joe Clarke away from the Memorial Ground.

Tanner is putting his faith in young players. Newcomers James Flynn, Pascal Thornton, Charlie Bath and Josh Tarrant are all under 24

“With the younger players involved in our pre-season fixtures, we have been able to show speed and quality,” said Tanner. “My policy this season will be to introduce them into the side.

“With the squad we will announce this weekend, I would expect us to finish above mid-table. That for me would be a step forward from last season when I felt we dropped 15 points too easily and threw away another six.”

Tanner expects to have a 25-man squad which means that the reserves should also be stronger.

Farnham begin their campaign this Saturday with a home match against Sydenhams League Division One side Fawley in the FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round.

“For me, an FA Cup game is perfect to start the season – to go forward with the right mentality. The club needs to move forward and I can’t fault the attitude of the players.”

Tanner has also beefed up his coaching staff. He and assistant Andy Sharratt will be backed up by Paul Bonner, last season’s reserves manager, and Tony Levy. Gary Newell takes over the reserves, helped by Kevin Holden.

Alan Reid will help with midweek coaching, but will not be around at weekends

Dean Nelson will be the link between the football side and the committee.

• Farnham’s pre-season results: beat Ash Utd 2-0, lost to Spelthorne 0-2, beat Woodley 1-0, lost to Moneyfields 2-4, beat Lancing 3-2, drew with Basingstoke U21 2-2.

• Farnham are away to Westfield in their first Combined Counties League Premier Division fixture on Saturday, August 12.