CHRIS Hughes is looking forward to the resumption of the JD Cymru Premier season.

The Newtown manager is pinning his hopes on the Welsh Government easing restrictions on elite football with the Football Association of Wales (FAW) provisionally earmarking a March start.

Hughes said: "Lockdown has been tough, we are all having good and bad days and those involved in football are no different.

"We are obviously looking forward to playing again and there is a lot of football to be played in the JD Cymru Premier yet this season.

"However the main thing, as it has always been, is people's safety."

Hughes has bolstered his ranks during the prolonged break.

Defender Shane Sutton has returned from AFC Telford, midfielder Alex Fletcher has also returned from Stourbridge and Lufimpa Mwande, a former loanee at Latham Park, has now signed from Shrewsbury Town.

Defender Callum Roberts has also joined on loan from Connah's Quay Nomads.

Hughes said: "These lads have played for the club before so they know how we play and know the demands of the league so hopefully they can gel with the existing squad relatively quickly."

Meanwhile striker Jon Letford has also joined the Robins from Southern Premier League side Rushall Olympic.

The 26 year old has previously represented Sutton Coldfield and Swedish club Ytterhogdals IK.

Hughes said: "John is an unknown quantity in Wales but he represents another great signing and we are looking forward to getting him involved and integrated into the squad.

"Usually by December the top six is more or less settled but obviously this year that is not the case and we are determined to make a push in the first phase to climb the table."