Adie Britton says he and managerial sidekick Lee Howells are one signing away from finalising their Bath City squad for the 2014-15 campaign.
Striker-turned-defender Phil Walsh put pen to paper ahead of Saturday's 1-1 friendly draw with a strong Cardiff City XI, having enjoyed a successful loan spell at the end of last season.
Having added Chas Hemmings, Ashley Kington, Martin Slocombe and Frankie Artus to the side which finished last season so strongly, Britton is keen to complete the jigsaw as soon as possible.
He is currently running the rule over ex-Cardiff trainee Zak Evans, along with Pat Keary and Josh Southway, who have been released by Bristol Rovers.
Academy trio Jordan Ricketts – the son of former City manager Tony – Elliott Gibbons and Ryan Mitchell have also been given the chance to impress in City's three friendlies over the past week.
They continue their programme with a home game against former tenants Rovers on Saturday (3pm).
Britton said: "We've got 15 signed on now and are hoping to bring in number 16 in the not-too-distant future.
"We are running the rule over a few lads at the moment and are also thinking about our plans for the Academy lads – whether they stay with the first-team group or are loaned elsewhere."
Britton was delighted to secure the services of Walsh, who has played League football for Dagenham & Redbridge, Cheltenham Town and Barnet since leaving City for Newport County six years ago.
He began his second spell at Twerton Park when he signed on loan from Margate in February and quickly filled the void left by Mark Preece at the back.
Britton thanked City director Andy Weeks and commercial executive Bob Chester for helping to complete the deal and added: "He is the dominant centre half we have been looking for and did a great job for us last season.
"He has certainly matured as a player since he was last with us from 2005-08 and gained a real understanding of the game.
"His aerial attributes are well known and he was certainly a handful for Cardiff on Saturday. He's an important part of the jigsaw."
City are due to unveil their new 125th anniversary home kit on Saturday.
The club has agreed a two-year partnership with German sportswear company Jako and the kit is available to pre-order either at half-time or post-match in Charlie's.
Meanwhile, the supporters' club will hold its annual general meeting after City's home friendly with Cheltenham on Saturday, July 26.
The meeting at Twerton Park will start at 5.15pm. Anybody who has yet to receive the documents ahead of the meeting can collect them from club office or supporters' club HQ during one of City's home pre-season friendlies.
For more information, call Martin Brush on 07881 728689.
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