A number of last season's squad have left the Gas Girls for a variety of reasons, whilst several new players have been brought in.

"The players to leave us," Gary told the Bristol Rovers website "are Carrie Kveton, Grainne Kierans, Kate Ward and Katie Holtham.

"Carrie has gone back to America, whilst Grainne, has returned to Ireland to work. It looks as though Kate, who is on the fringe of the England U21 squad is going to Birmingham, which is where she lives.

"The loss of Katie, who is going to Charlton, is a real blow for us. It's a career move for her, and as much as I'm disappointed to lose her from the side, I'm happy for her.

"She came to us from Lincoln two seasons ago and is a central midfielder who captained the England U19's a year ago. She is now on the fringe of the senior squad, so it's a good move for her but obviously a massive, massive blow for us."

Three of the new girls were playing for Fulham last season. Gary added: "Justine Lorton (above) who plays just off the front striker, or as a striker, is a very experienced player. She has represented England and has played for both Arsenal and Charlton and spent last season with Fulham.

"Having watched her in training and in our early pre-season games, I have to say that she's different class and will be a brilliant signing for us.

"We've also signed Fulham's captain from last season, Maz O'Brien who is a right back and is very vocal, so she will be organising our back four. Our third recruit from the London side is Tammy Scrivens, a central defender, who will be joining us shortly.

"Lisa Langridge has joined us from Chelsea. She is coming back from injury and is not yet proven at this level, though from what I have seen so far she looks to be a very talented player.

"Zoe Avener, a French U19 international, will be joining us on 10 August after she finishes her season with Ottowa Fury in America and we have also signed Kerry Bartlett from Forest Green Rovers.

"Charis Wakefield, from Luton, is also joining us and will be coming to Filton College to further her football development, whilst we have also signed three players who are, in my opinion, the most talented local players around, in Leanne Lapham, Grace Mucati and Alex Windell.

"However, we are delighted that Stef Curtis is fit again and that's a major plus for us. She played only a handful of games last season, but still scored six league goals.

"We have also retained the services of Siobhan Chamberlain, England's Number Two goalkeeper, as well as Corinne Yorston, the best left back in the league, in my opinion. Shelley Cox is also still with us, and we are looking forward to a good season."