THREE is the magic number for Tigers boss Dave Mehew as a trio of senior players have confirmed their futures with the club, writes Jenni Silver.

Captain Neil Mustoe, top scorer Alex Sykes and play-off final goal hero Matt Rose are all ready to face the challenges of the Blue Square Conference North.

Mehew said the trio would provide a strong backbone for the Tigers in the coming season.

He said retaining Tuffley-based Mustoe, who signed for Manchester United as a youngster and started his association with Gloucester City Football Club as a boyhood fan, was vital.

"Mustoe is an example of a proper captain," he said. "He doesn't mind upsetting a few players in the dressing room, because it can't come from me and Adie Harris every week.

"He is a proper professional, he can definitely play at that level and I am delighted he has decided to stay because, like Matt Rose, he has a young family."

PE teacher Sykes bagged 27 goals for the Tigers last season and Mehew believes he will be on target again in the Blue Square North.

He said: "Syko is at the golden age of 35 but he can still do it at this level.

"He will be away for the first two weeks of the season but this will give some of the others a chance to put a marker down.

"He was away at the beginning of last season and still got all those goals."

Sykes' midfield partner Rose could give the Tigers the edge.

Mehew said the Cheltenham-based player, whose only goal last season was the vital winner which saw the Tigers promoted, was another welcome signing.

"Rosey has been a major part of the team," he said. "In a physical league like the Blue Square North, it is important we have him.

"He has a young family and had a few things to think about, but I am glad he has decided to stay."

With most of the Tigers squad confirming their places for next season, Mehew said their pack mentality would see them through long journeys to opponents like Blyth Spartans.

He said: "We have pretty much everyone back on board now and they have all had the chance to go to the Blue Square South but have chosen to stay.

"We have couple of new signings with Mike Symons and James Palmer and they could've gone elsewhere, and along with a keeper there is still scope for one or two more players."