SWINDON skipper Andrew Staff is hoping that his side's newfound strength-in-depth can be the driving force behind their season.

The County Ground side have bolstered their ranks over the off-season, bringing in Hampshire academy coach Matt Drakeley to add to their batting prowess whilst also bringing in Alex Kill from Shrivenham.

All-rounder Will Nicholls and spinner Scott Edmed are also returning to Swindon, with fast-bowler Matt Kidd also recruited on to further supplement the options at their disposal.

"We had a good squad anyway but when you add a few batsmen and a few bowlers to it, it looks even stronger," said Staff, who has taken over as skipper for the upcoming season.

"Having more strength-in-depth can only be a good thing and I think it will help our seconds too, who are looking to do well in their league.

"We haven't decided to go for an overseas player this year because we want to invest in the guys we've already got at the club.

"Matt Drakeley will come in and open the batting for us but he's also going to be doing some coaching, which will be a big help too."

Staff replaces Liam Tucker as Swindon captain and is hoping that his team can replicate their fourth-placed finish in the Glos/Wilts division last summer.

He said: "Liam had done it for four of the last five seasons and decided he wanted a change. I'd been vice-captain for seven or eight years and when people looked around the dressing room, I think I was the natural choice.

"Our pre-season has gone really well. Matt has taken our nets and we've done really well in our friendlies, winning three out of three.

"Liam got us back up after getting relegated and we consolidated our position last season.

"With the league restructuring happening, it looks like the top four teams will effectively get a promotion, so hopefully we can get ourselves in there again."