HIGHWORTH Town manager Jeff Roberts is delighted to have pulled off a major coup by signing Swindon Supermarine captain Ross Adams.

The 33-year-old central defender makes the step down to the Hellenic League Premier Division from their Southern League Division One South & West neighbours after two seasons at the Webb’s Wood Stadium.

Roberts said: “We have been chatting to him for the last couple of weeks and he came to our session last night.

“It’s the leadership and stability. We’ve brought in a few players and Ross knows a few of them.

“It’s the experience, it will be important to have that in the side.”

With 10 new arrivals, including Adams’ former Marine teammates Ryan Stanners and Ashley Edenborough, Highworth Town will be fresh faced for upcoming campaign.

Roberts said: “We have brought in 10 signings and hopefully by the weekend we should have another two or three.

“We have a good group of players and a good blend - players that work hard and players that can play football.”

Despite the new signings, Roberts believes it is important not to get carried away and concentrate on making good preparations for the new season.

“I think we always have to be confident, but we have to be patient also - from last year, it’s completely different. I was saying to the chairman, we just need to be patient.”

Highworth’s pre-season started this week, with fitness the focus for now as Roberts looks to reap the benefits over a long and testing season.

He said: “We had our first session on Tuesday and we had about 40 players here. We didn’t get the balls out, it’s more running and short stuff to get the heart pumping and blow away any cobwebs.

“We explained that training would be hard, a lot of them can play football so it is more about the fitness. We have some good friendlies coming up and they will be a good workout.”

FORMER Corsham Town captain Sam Ockwell will become the first addition of Fairford Town’s summer.

Ockwell, a regular amongst the goals for Fairford Town Sunday last term, has agreed to join the Reds ahead of the 2016-17 season.

The ball-playing midfielder has previously represented Royal Wootton Bassett Town, where was the leading appearance maker and Manager’s Player of the Year in 2013-14.

Fairford’s pre-season training continues at Cinder Lane tonight, starting at 7pm.