SWINDON Supermarine have swooped to sign defender Ross Adams from Conference South side Basingstoke.

Marine manager Dave Webb stated his desire to strenghten his back-line following their Southern League Division One South and West play-off defeat to Merthyr Town in April.

And the Webb’s Wood Stadium chief is pleased to have snapped up a player he calls the ‘best centre-half in the area’.

“It is a massive coup for the club getting a player of Ross’ quality, class and undoubted ability,” Webb said.

“It is fantastic that he wants to come to us, he had offers from elsewhere.”

Former West Bromwich Albion trainee Adams spent time at Supermarine on loan last season as he looked to return to full fitness following a broken leg.

The former Chippenham Town captain will complete his move to the South Marston club tonight.

And his arrival follows the re-signing of skipper Dave Bampton, Sam Morris and Chris Taylor.

However, Webb admits that he is looking to bring in six new players this summer to fill the gaps left by Josh Parsons, Bradley Gray, Danny Hilder, Craig Curtis and Joey Tustain.

“We have had five players leave us and there are five I’m looking at bringing, hopefully we can have half a dozen,” Webb said.

“Obviously signing Ross is the first of those, hopefully it will also show people what we are trying to do here next season and beyond.

“It is a busy time, we are continually talking to players we are hoping to bring in, but everyone is keeping their options open and seeing what they can get.”

Apart from the five departures, Webb says the remainder of last season’s squad have all verbally agreed to return to South Marston.

“It is just a matter of getting them signed now,” he said. “What I don’t want to do is have 40 or 50 players here for pre-season training.

“There is just no point, I want to make sure we have the right players so we can have a go at it on August 9.”

Meanwhile, Supermarine will play Basingstoke in a pre-season friendly on July 26.