SUPERMARINE chief Mark Collier has completed the signing of former Swindon Town player-coach Ady Williams following a pursuit of several weeks.

Collier had been chasing the 38-year-old defender for some time but the deal was held up because Williams had to prove his fitness following a calf injury.

The ex-Coventry man will add much-needed experience to Supermarine’s ranks and Collier said: “He’s a great addition to our young squad.

“He’s played at the highest level, international football, so we’re in a no-lose situation to get him on board.

“Hopefully he remains fit. Speaking to some of the younger players at training, they are more than keen to get involved.”

Williams, pictured, goes straight into the squad for tonight’s Southern League clash at home to Truro City.

There had been a certain amount of confusion over the Welshman’s availability for Supermarine matches as he joined Conference South outfit Weston-super-Mare in June.

But Collier said: “They have asked him to play the last couple of weeks and he hasn’t done so, so as far as we’re concerned he’s our player. He hasn’t spoken about sharing clubs.”

While Collier can afford to feel pleased with the signing of a seasoned pro, his squad size remains at 18 following the departure of Alex Stanley.

The defender has become the second Supermarine player to leave for Didcot Town this summer in the wake of Mark Draycott’s move to the Railwaymen.

Stanley, brother of winger Nick, has made just one substitute appearance this campaign and appears to have moved east to get more games under his belt.

Collier said: “He’s done well for us when he’s been involved but he wants some regular football, and he’s got that guarantee from Didcot.”

Supermarine go into tonight’s meeting with Cornish side Truro looking to bounce back from defeats to Bashley and Cambridge, in which they conceded eight goals.

“We’ve leaked some goals of late which is disappointing, and that’s something we need to rectify,” said Collier.

“There’s no alarm bells ringing but the players have been made aware they can’t go on like that for too long.

“Obviously Truro are big-spending to say the least and have done particularly well. They have obviously got good players and an experienced manager in Sean McCarthy.”

Collier has injury problems up front to contend with ahead of tonight’s game. Ash Edenborough faces up to a fortnight out with bruised ribs and Luke Hopper is doubtful with a knee injury.

Meanwhile, in tonight’s Hellenic League fixtures, Shrivenham travel to Almondsbury Town in the Premier Division.

In Division One West, Cirencester United, minus recently-departed manager Chokri Kartit, host Lydney Town, while Purton make the journey to Letcombe.