Harrogate Town manager Neil Aspin has called for patience from the fans as his all-new side beds down into the new Nationwide North season.

A wage bill cull and a string of players reaching the end of contracts resulted in a summer mass exodus - and a virtual clean slate for Aspin to fill up with a combination of youth and experience.

The fledgling boss is now calling for time and support from the fans before they pass judgement.

He said: "Because of all the changes, we are asking for a bit of patience and for them to stick with us so they can see what we are trying to achieve. They can play their part by getting behind us."

Town favourites Marc Smith and steadfast defensive utility-man Richard Dunning are back along with coach Lee Philpott, Danny Holland and centre-half Leigh Wood.

Defender Paul Stoneman (ex-Halifax and Blackpool), midfielder Roy Hunter (West Brom, Northwich, Hucknall) and front-man Gareth Grant (Bradford, Halifax, Scarborough) offer a solid core with not-yet-so-familiar names Chris Coupe, Danny Ryan and Jason Wray recruited.

The first test of the hybrid is Hyde United, who have bounced into the division off the back of two successive championship seasons in the UniBond League.

No targets have yet been set but another outstanding home record is definitely something to aim for, starting with Hyde tomorrow (3pm).

Updated: 12:03 Friday, August 12, 2005