HARRY Wheeler is looking forward to being in the dugout for the first time since last season came to an end.

The Billericay Town boss has missed the National League South club’s first two contests of the summer.

But Wheeler is looking forward to tonight’s pre-season friendly with Grays Athletic.

“It’s our first away game of the summer,” said Wheeler.

“I missed the last two games and so I’m looking forward to seeing the boys in action again.

“It will be a good test for us and it’s another step towards being ready for the new season.

“Grays are a decent side and it’s a chance for the boys to get some much-needed minutes on the pitch.”

Billericay began pre-season with a 3-1 victory over an All-Star XI side including the likes of Paul Konchesky, Danny Murphy and James Collins.

Town were then narrowly defeated by League One outfit Southend United last Tuesday.

And Billericay will be put to the test by Isthmian North side Grays at Parkside tonight.

Jim Cooper’s side have made a number of new signings since the end of the previous campaign, with ex-Bowers & Pitsea and Concord Rangers attacker Tony Stokes among those to make the move.

But there is also likely to be numerous summer signings in Billericay’s squad for the friendly.

Doug Loft, Craig Robson and Gavin Gunning joined the club yesterday to further bolster Wheeler’s options, while Ronnie Henry, Jordan Parkes and Ben Nunn have also switched to the Steel Team Stadium.

While Wheeler is pleased with the reinforcements, the Billericay chief is still looking to welcome one more arrival before the season gets underway on August 3.

Wheeler, who returned to Billericay for a second spell in charge in January, added: “We have 18 players now after bringing Doug, Craig and Gavin to the club yesterday.

“We said from the very start that we only wanted 19 players, so I think we will only be bringing in one more player.

“I think that we now have a very strong spine and we’re well covered in every position, but I would like to make one more signing.”