CWMBRAN Town's new manager Brian Coyne is hoping that his summer acquisitions can help his side close the class gulf when Maccabi Haifa come to town on Thursday afternoon.

The Crows take on the Israeli side in the UEFA Cup first qualifying, first leg at Cwmbran Stadium and despite preparation which Coyne has described as "far from ideal," he hopes his side can bridge the gap.

"The squad is now starting to come together after a tough summer," said Coyne.

"I obviously arrived quite late on in the summer which didn't help things and it's been poor preparation to say the least. A lot of the team obviously went on holiday so I didn't have everyone together but the boys are back and we've had a few decent sessions."

Despite only having a few weeks to get to know his side Coyne is very impressed with what he's seen so far.

"They've all been spot on and I can't fault their work-rate and commitment over the past few weeks," said Coyne.

"The thing that has impressed me the most is the team spirit and the togetherness in the squad and I guess that is largely due to the events of last season."

Nevertheless, Coyne has still signed five new players and is hoping to bring a few more faces before the league seasons starts.

Midfielder Kevin Wall-ace has arrived from Welsh League new arrivals Goytre, left winger Jamie Edwards from Newtown. Striker Steve McCormick has (Connah's Quay Nom-ads), utility player Terry Green also from Newtown and striker Kaid Mohammed (Ely Rangers).

The Crows' pre-season form has been relatively mixed. Wins over Car-diff Corries, Cwmbran Celtic, and Goytre (Pontypool) have been tempered by defeats against Cardiff City and Ely Rangers as well as a draw with Hounslow Town. But despite the inconsistent pre-season Coyne still insists that his side will be more than prepared for their big day on Thursday.

He said: "We had a very good session on Saturday in the heat and I thinks the boys enjoyed the workout.

"They're getting sharper all the time and mentally we'll certainly be ready for the challenge."