Defender Kern Miller has become Spalding United’s third signing of the summer.
The centre back, formerly of Boston United, Lincoln City, Barnsley, Accrington Stanley and Hereford, was with Lincoln United last season.
Tulips chief Pat Rayment is a long-term admirer of the 22-year-old and has backed him to shine at the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field.
He said: “Kern is a commanding and aggressive defender. I’ve wanted him for a long time now.
“He’s perhaps lost his way in recent seasons, but I’m sure we can provide him with a platform to shine at Spalding.”
Rayment has also revealed that he is monitoring up to 14 players as he bids to strengthen his squad.
The Tulips chief, who has already added experienced duo Gareth Jellyman and Nick Conroy to his UCL Premier Division winning squad, has lost Jamie Stevens, Adam Jackson, Jonny Allen, Ross Watson, Josh Ford and Dan Cotton from last year’s squad.
Spalding – who will play in Evo-Stik League Division One South next season – have also missed out on top target Lee Clarke, with the former Northern Ireland international plumping for a move to higher-graded St Albans City instead.
But Rayment is encouraged that players of Clarke’s ilk are keen to talk to the Tulips as he bids to take them into uncharted territory.
“We have 14 irons in the fire and all players are of equal quality,” said the Spalding supremo. “We’re having to battle with step two clubs though, so that shows you what kind of players we want to sign.
“I want to take this club into step three, which is something it has never experienced before.
“I’d like to think that myself and Marcus Ebdon have the contacts and know-how to do that, but it is a bit of a waiting game.
“I expect to be able to announce some signings in the next week or so.
“We’ve certainly upped the ante in terms of player calibre and the most positive aspect is that they have all been willing to talk to us about coming here.”
Updated pre-season schedule: July 12 – Peterborough Sports (A) 3pm; July 15 – Boston United (H) 7.45pm; July 19 – King’s Lynn (H) 3pm; July 24 – Yaxley (A) 7.45pm; July 26 – Deeping Rangers (A) 3pm; August 2 – Kettering Town (H) 3pm; August 5 – Huntingdon Town (H) 7.45pm.
