FROME Town manager Adrian Foster is happy to see the end of the festive period so that he finally has the opportunity to get to know his new squad.

Foster only took over at Badgers Hill last week and was thrust straight in to leading his side against rivals Chippenham Town and Weymouth.

The Frome chief admits the postponement of his team’s New Year’s Day fixture at home to Bideford was a blessing in disguise as he was finally able to take charge of his first training session.

“It’s been difficult not being able to train because so far, most things have just been done over the phone, and it was nice to actually put some names to faces,” said Foster.

“There were a couple of lads that turned up that I had no idea who they were and it was odd having to ask ‘who are you and where do you play?’ “It was a shame that the game was off, but we had a really good session and the boys looked pretty good.

“It was important because I want to get my message across and let the players know how I want them to play.”

Foster has raided his old club Gillingham Town for the second time by bringing in 20-year-old central defender Jack Vallis.

The Frome chief said: “Jack’s a good, tall defender and he was probably a bit too comfortable at the level he was playing at.

“He’s had clubs in for him from a higher level and I think he needs to challenge himself – I’ve got a good rapport with the lad, too.”

Last weekend, Matt Groves put Frome ahead against his former side Weymouth, but two late goals from Stewart Yetton saw the Dorset outfit triumph 2-1 at Badgers Hill.

Mark Cooper and Kris Miller are suspended for tomorrow’s trip to St Albans City.

FOR MORE SPORTS NEWS, REPORTS & PICTURES SEE FRIDAY'S WILTSHIRE TIMES AND FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @WTSport