Ambitious Pinchbeck United have wrapped up their first two signings of the summer as player/boss Ian Dunn insisted: “We mean business.”
The Knights, who will play ChromaSport UCL Division One football for the first time in their history this coming season, have snapped up Herbie Panting and Corey Kingston.
Panting was Netherton United’s captain over the past few seasons and is capable of playing as a central defender or holding midfielder.
Striker Kingston netted 11 goals for Langtoft United in the ChromaSport PDFL Premier Division last term, with Dunn admitting he was “a menace” against his side.
The Pinchbeck chief, who also hopes to land ICA Sports winger Josh Smith after positive talks last week, feels both have the ability to step up a level with his team.
Dunn said: “I think they are both fantastic signings for the club with UCL football in mind.
“Herbie is absolutely made for the UCL. He can play in defence or midfield and can play the ball out from the back.
“But he’s also very much up for the battle. Just being a good footballer won’t cut it next season, we need to have leaders all over the pitch.
“Herbie was Netherton’s captain, so he’s the kind of character we want in and around the club.
“We identified him as one of our top targets very early on and I’m delighted he’s decided to join us.
“As for Corey, he’s another that has the work ethic and dedication to step up.
“He works the channels so well and runs tirelessly for 90 minutes. That’s the kind of thing we need.
“He is also up for a battle, but is more than capable of scoring goals too.
“Every time we played against Langtoft I was impressed with his relentless running and I’m pleased he’s chosen to join us. I just feel he’ll unsettle defenders every week.
“I believe he’ll improve in the UCL and also help us improve as a team. If you look at this area’s best UCL strikers over the past few years – the likes of Josh Ford and Tommy Treacher – they both work hard and are up for the battle, while also scoring goals too.
“The two signings are – we hope – the first of a few and I think it shows we mean business at a higher level.”
Perhaps the biggest signature Pinchbeck are chasing this summer is that of last season’s leading scorer Ollie Maltby.
We reported last week that his 62-goal haul in the ChromaSport PDFL had attracted the interest of a Step Three club, with Dunn admitting that he’d “had his head turned” by an offer.
The player/boss always felt that his star man would stay – and is delighted that the ex-Moulton Harrox hitman has now intimated that he will sign on again for next season.
“Ollie is irreplaceable,” added Dunn. “Obviously he’s had his head turned by the offer, but on Tuesday night he agreed to sign – which is huge for the club.
“I’ve got verbal agreements from the rest of the squad about staying on for next season, so hopefully we’ll get that wrapped up soon too.
“I’m hopeful all of last season’s squad will stay and we can build on our success.”
Pinchbeck begin their UCL Division One season at Huntingdon Town on Friday, July 28 (7.45pm).
The squad will return for pre-season training on Saturday, June 24.
