Arran Duke has added four new players to his Wisbech St Mary squad this week as the Saints look to build on an impressive opening campaign at Step Six level.

St Mary have set out to prove that their successful Thurlow Nunn Division One debut, in which they finished in 13th place, was no fluke with the addition of four players in recent days.

Midfielder Aidan Hollis joins the club from Fenland neighbours Chatteris Town, and experienced goalkeeper Day Potter, former Boston United youth talent Bradley Easey and George Hutton, formerly of higher-level Swaffham Town, also signed on the dotted line yesterday evening.

The quartet join new recruit Lewis Gibson, who signed for the Saints from Dereham Town Reserves last month, and boss Duke believes he is building a squad capable of a top-half finish next season.

“All four players will offer the squad a great deal and that gives us plenty of competition for places,” he said.

“We just want to push on from last season now. We are more experienced and more aware of what’s required at this level so we want to climb up the table.

“The way the group has been working in training has been very impressive so it’s an exciting time for the club.”

Duke’s men have also been busy off the pitch, bringing in a number of management recruits, including former Leyton Orient, Notts County and King’s Lynn Town defender, Mark Warren as assistant boss.

“We have also added massage therapist Sarah Grosvenor, who has worked at Downham Town, Swaffham Town and Peterborough United, so that will be a great addition to our staff, and goalkeeping coach Graham Miller will also continue his role,” Duke added.

The Saints host the first of six pre-season friendlies tomorrow evening. They take on Kershaw Premier Division side Great Shelford at Chatteris 3G.

They then kick off their league campaign at home to Woodbridge Town on July 29.