CEFN DRUIDS are keeping their cards close to their chest - but make no mistake about it, there’s plenty of work going on behind the scenes.

The Ancients’ chairman Des Williams insists that the club do not need to make big name signings as they look to bolster their squad amidst fan unrest.

Key duo Nathan Peate and James Davies have departed for Bala and Newtown respectively with no replacements announced, but the club are working hard to bolster their squad.

Director of international recruitment, Marco Correira De Oliviera is in talks with a number of clubs in Spain, Italy and Portugal regarding loaning Druids their rising talent, while the Ancients are seeking work permits for a 21-year-old former Brazil Under-19 international and an ex-Porto player, 22.

There are two experienced versatile wide players released by north west-based Football League team committed to pre-season training, while advanced talks are taking place with a current League Two central defender.

An ex-Wrexham defender and Phil Mooney have agreed deals for next season, along with Michael Jones, Naim Arsan, Iwan Cartwright, Aaron Simpson, Jamie Reed, Stefan Edwards and Johnny Taylor.

“Players locally and across the border have no real concept of just how good the Cymru Premier is for players looking to be spotted by a non-league or Football League side,” said Williams. “We know from experience that a lot of scouts watch Sgorio and read the local newspapers looking for undiscovered talent and the sale of Alec Mudimu is testament to that.”

Druids are also looking to name their new head coach when the time is right, the new man, who has a track record of playing pressing and attacking football using young, hungry players, set to be assisted by Jayson Starkey.

Lee Pope has been confirmed as the club’s first full time academy manager, while talks continue with Dave Taylor.

There’s plenty of work happening around The Rock with the club 75 per cent of the way through a refit of the function room, while the medical room and changing rooms have been upgraded.

A new set of portable cabins that include a purpose built club shop as well as a new ‘media suite’ above the academy office are in place while the clubhouse is refurbished.

Plans for an onsite hotel have been shelved with six five-a-side courts in the carpark now the target, while talks are taking place to purchase a pub and with the planning office to clean the rock face and open up a climbing club.

New CCTV cameras have been fitted and a broadcast quality camera system will be in place before the start of the season so academy games can be streamed on the new media channel set up by the club.

The Druids board also have an important message to the club’s fans, stressing that they are not interested in asset stripping or selling the club any time soon, Williams adding: “My view is that if I do the right thing, the club will be around long after I die. We can re-establish the club as a force within Welsh football challenging for a Europa League or Champions League place year after year.”