MINEHEAD start the new Toolstation League Division One season away to Backwell Utd on Saturday after making a surprise new signing - former Sunderland and Bristol City midfielder Gary Owers.

The Blues' player-manager Steve Perkins knows fellow FA coach Owers through his work and has persuaded the 38-year-old to sign Western League forms.

Owers will not be available for the start of the season but has told Perkins he will be able to play in the majority of games.

Newcastle-born Owers played for Sunderland in their 2-0 defeat to Liverpool in the 1992 FA Cup final and moved to Bristol City in 1994.

His managerial career started in 2003 when he took over as player-boss at Bath City. He became manager of Conference side Forest Green in May 2005 and was sacked at the start of last season. He was also manager of Weston-super-Mare for the last few games of last season.

The signing of Owers has given Minehead's excellent pre-season yet another lift after winnning their four friendlies, scoring 21 goals.

Last Thursday they hammered Somerset County League side Bishops Lydeard 7-0 with goals from Luke Taylor (2), Sam Hutchings (2), Lee Todd, James Browning and Steffan Phillips.

They followed that with a 3-0 victory at home to Birmingham-outfit Fairfield Villa on Saturday. Perkins was on the scoresheet with Lee Todd adding another two goals.

Dave Gelby, who played for Grays Athletic in the Conference last season, gave another superb display at the heart of the Blues' defence and Perkins believes he will have a massive impact for them this season.

One disappointment for Minehead was the injuries they picked up in their final two friendlies. Perkins is a massive doubt for this Saturday's game at Backwell after picking up a knee injury, while club captain Simon Lyons and Guy Burns are also touch and go after receiving dead legs.

Perkins said: "Pre-season has gone like a dream so it was a bit of a blow to get a few injuries.

"We have looked superb going forward in every game and, even after making lots of changes, the quality of football has stayed as high. We have now got competition for places all over the pitch and the younger players look physically stronger than they did last season.

"I expect us to make a good start to the season."

Defender Mike Mullins, who played for Bridgwater U-18s and Taunton Saturday League side Locomotives, has also signed for Minehead and is in the squad for Saturday's opener.

Minehead play their first home game of the season on Wednesday when Elmore visit Irnham Road.

Minehead (from): Chris Meredith, Andy Hall, Dave Gelby, Greg Howard, Chris Yates, Mike Mullins, Luke Taylor, Ed Barney, Lee Todd, Simon Lyons, Guy Burns, Micky Burns, Craig Carr, Sam Hutchings, Steffan Phillips, Jack Furse.