St Ives Town’s summer revamp has gathered pace – after they completed five new signings in recent days.
A high number of arrivals were always expected this summer ahead of the Southern League Premier Division Central campaign and manager Ricky Marheineke has certainly delivered on his promise.
Midfielder Robbie Parker and wideman Jordan Patrick have both followed new assistant boss Craig Adams from league rivals Biggleswade Town.
Right-back Joe Hood steps up a level after impressing at Mildenhall Town last season while central defender Jarvis Wilson, who can also operate in midfield, arrives in senior football after being part of the Northampton Town Academy.
And vastly experienced left-back Mark Coulson, who returns for a second spell after spending much of the 2016-17 season with Saints, completes the list of captures.
That batch of new recruits join local lad Ben Seymour-Shove, who is back following a stint at Cambridge City last season, in the Saints squad.
And it also features the return of another popular player. Midfielder Tom McGowan is back after stepping away from the game last season due to business commitments.
Marheineke said: “We’re delighted with the business we’ve done this summer.
“Robbie is a big signing for the club after being a stand-out player at this level while with Biggleswade.
“Jordan is another player who is proven at Step 3. He has lots of experience which will make him a senior member of the squad and he’ll be fantastic for the dressing room.
“Mark is another player who brings experience and quality while it’s great to give Joe the chance to step up after he excelled at a lower level last season. I’m sure he’ll do the same for us.
“Jarvis comes with great potential and we can’t wait to work for him. It’s clear he has the right mentality for men’s football.
“And having Tom back is a huge boost. He was a big loss to us last season and it’s great that he’s ready to return. I love everything about his game with his attitude and work-rate being second to none.”
Several of those new faces are due to feature when Saints have their first pre-season outing tonight (Tuesday). They host Soham Town Rangers at ProEdge Westwood Road, but Seymour-Shove and Patrick are not available.
A home date against Peterborough Sports – managed by former Saints favourite Jimmy Dean – then follows on Saturday ahead of an away friendly at Kempston Rovers next Tuesday.
Marheineke plans to use 22 players in the games against Soham and Sports before gradually trimming numbers as pre-season progresses.
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