St Ives Town manager Ricky Marheineke has boosted his attacking options . . . by signing a player he coached as an eight-year old.

Striker Allan Owen has agreed a deal with Saints ahead of their first-ever season of Southern League Premier Division football.

Owen has recently returned to the area after being at university in the North-East, where he has also gained experience of playing at non-league level.

Marheineke said: “I used to coach Allan when he was eight at a development centre I ran at Hinchingbrooke School for Cambridge United.

“He contacted me after coming back into the area and I’m confident he can make an impact for us.

“He has been playing at Step 5 up in the North-East and he gives us something a little bit different. He is strong and blessed with exceptional speed.”

Owen played as a trialist when St Ives beat fellow Huntingdonshire side Eynesbury Rovers in a friendly on Tuesday night. He linked up with Ben Seymour-Shove for the opening goal in a 2-0 success.

Saints host tenants Cambridge City tomorrow and then entertain Peterborough Sports, who are managed by former St Ives favourite Jimmy Dean, on Tuesday.