SWINDON Supermarine have turned their attention to near-neighbours Highworth Town in a bid to strengthen their squad this summer.

Lee Spalding’s men have announced the signings of goalkeeper Connor Johns and young defender Leon Morrison – both key cogs for the Worthians in recent seasons.

Johns has already played at the Webbswood Stadium before in his career – the stopper first signed in 2016 and later went on to be crowned player of the season.

A former Swindon Town academy product, Johns has played for Highworth’s Southern League Division One south rivals Melksham Town in between his first and second spell at Marine.

Meanwhile, 21-year-old Morrison featured for Highworth in each of the past four seasons and spent last campaign as the Worthians’ captain.

According to Marine, the centre-back: “is good in the air and likes to play the ball out of defence.”

In a statement announcing the news, the Webbswood Stadium outfit stated Morrison “will be looking for an opportunity to get a regular start in the side this season and will be determined to keep it when given the chance.”

Marine also revealed several players had re-signed for the coming season. Forward Zack Kotwica joined Henry Spalding in strengthening the forward reserves available to manager Lee Spalding.

Born in Cheltenham, Kotwica came through the Cheltenham Town academy alongside teammate Harry Williams.

After spells on loan at Gloucester City and brief spells with Tamworth and Salisbury, Kotwica re-joined Gloucester in the National League North prior to arriving at the Webbswood in 2020.

Manager of Lee, Henry Spalding will be hoping to build on his 15 goals from last season after signing a new one-year contract.

The former Bristol City youngster has often been a threat from either wing, with Marine stating “he possesses a sweet left foot and is always looking for that crucial pass into the forwards.”

The final player to have re-signed for the Webbswood Stadium side is versatile defender-midfielder Jack Stanley.

Prior to spending the majority of last season at Hartpury University, the former Swindon Town academy scholar spent time at Thatcham Town and Salisbury but is hopeful of cementing a place in Spalding’s Marine side next term.

Supermarine also announced that they will take on League One side Forest Green Rovers in a pre-season friendly on Saturday, July 16.

The game – which kicks off at 1pm – will be Marine’s second against EFL opposition following the clash with Swindon Town on Saturday, July 9.