Yate Town manager Dave Mogg is hoping to persuade former Bristol City midfielder Matt Hewlett to relaunch his football career at Lodge Road.

Hewlett, who also had successful spells at Swindon Town and Torquay United, was forced to hang up his boots in February 2007 after suffering a bad back injury the year before.

But after taking a break from the game, he has indicated he is keen to start playing again.

"I have spoken to Matt and he has intimated that he would like to come along to pre-season training," said Mogg.

"He has not played for a while due to back and knee problems, but he has been out running again now and wants to see where it goes. I'm pretty open-minded about it and we will see what happens."

Hewlett, who is still only 33, played 385 league and cup games in seven years at Bristol City followed by five at Swindon before joining Torquay in 2005.

While Mogg waits on the Hewlett situation, his attempt to persuade defender and Yate's player of the season Scott Brice to stay has failed.

"Scott has bought out his contract, so has left the club," added Mogg. "It is a shame as he is a very good player, but we have to move on."

Mogg has been working to bring in new players and this week confirmed that former Clevedon Town striker Toby Colbourne has agreed to join.

Bitton pair Mark Reynolds and Tom Warren have indicated they wish to move up a league, while former Mangotsfield man Mitch Tippins, ex-Taunton player Scott Thomas, Larkhall's Lee Collier and former Bishop Sutton player Rob Dunphy will be at pre-season training.

Goalkeeper Lee Matthews has also pledged to stay after Tony Court's decision to join Mangotsfield.