News

Two of last season's most consistent performers have signed for the coming season.

Johnny Shales and Carl Timms have both put pen to paper at training this week.

Shales, who's attendance at pre-season training has been limited due to his cricket commitments as captain of Lullington impressed in a number of positions last season and has agreed another season with the club.

Carl Timms also impressed many last season with some fine displays in a number of positions and adds competition for the central midfield places as well as upfront.

Manager Gary Norton commented: " The squad is starting to take some shape now and we are starting to get some healthy competition for places in a number of positions.

"In addition we have a number of other lads who are training with us or who we are speaking with at the moment so things are starting to look okay in terms of the overall quality of our squad.

"Having said that, its early days yet and we have plenty of time ahead of us at the moment."

On his latest signings he added: "We are pleased that both John and Carl have re-signed for the club. Both had good seasons last year and I'm sure they will be pushing all the way to be in the starting eleven come the start of the season.

"Not only will Carl add competition for places in midfield but he has also expressed an interest in playing in a more advanced role so we will be having a look at that during some preseason games"

In addition Manager Gary Norton has persuaded striker Stefan Marshall back to the club as well as signing former Stapenhill and Rocester central defender Gareth Langford.

Marshall was a supporters favourite scoring 8 goals in his previous spell with the club. He spent last season playing local league football but jumped at the chance to join Gresley FC in their first season in the East Midlands Counties League whilst Langford turned out for Rocester last term.

On the return of Marshall Norton added: "I have been speaking to Stefan for some weeks and have managed to persuade him to play for us again. Now he's made his mind up he seems well up for the challenge and we are very happy to have signed him.

"He did well for us two seasons ago in the UniBond so I expect him to be a handful for defences in the East Mids league. Last time he played at step 6 (with Stapenhill) he scored goals for fun so we are hoping he will reproduce a similar form for us in the coming season."

Norton was also pleased with the signing of Langford saying: "Gareth called me to ask if he could come down to training. He is the type of player who likes to get stuck in and will add a little physical presence to the side.

"He is looking sharp in training and will do very well for us at centre half. He is another player who has played at a higher level than step 6 and I fully expect him to do very well for us."

Former Shepshed Dynamo utility player Matt Hill has also signed for the club.

In other news Callum Keenan is unable to train at the moment having been confirmed as having swine flu after a holiday abroad whilst Jordi Gough has also returned from holiday but has a chest infection and more worryingly a back problem that will require an MRI scan.

Norton expects competition for last season's most improved player from a number of clubs including Rocester after it was revealed that former assistant manager Tony Hemmings had taken up a coaching role there yesterday.

Last season's supporters' and players' player of the year Simon Baldwin returns from a family holiday this week and Norton expects him to sign for the club before Saturdays friendly at Meir KA - kick off 3pm