Spalding United have raised eyebrows in non-league football with some impressive signings from higher up the pyramid.
It certainly seems the board are backing newly permanent manager Elliot Sandy by attracting new talent.
Arguably the most eye-catching signing is that of Glenn Walker from National League north side Brackley.
The 35-year-old is the club’s record appearance maker with 438 games for the Reds which includes helping them win the FA Trophy in 2018 and Southern League Premier Division title in 2011.
He featured last year Brackley when made the play-off final to get into the National Premier League but they were beaten 2-0 by Kidderminster Harriers.
It proved to be Walker’s last game for the club as he departed to join manager Sandy who played at Brackley for four seasons.
“This is a club with ambition that wants to move up the football pyramid,” Walker said: “I’ve played alongside the manager and it now feels the right time in my career to get that partnership going again in a different way and experience success again.”
Another signing from a higher placed side who also lost out in the play-offs last season is goalkeeper Tony Breedon.
He was first choice for Nuneaton Borough at step-three’s Midland Premier Division after previous spells at Tamworth, Leamington and Bromsgrove and Sandy hailed him as ‘one of the best goalkeepers in non-league’.
Also arriving is Dan Sweeney who joins from last year’s Northern League West champions Macclesfield.
The 25-year-old striker joined The Silkman in February 2022 after scoring 18 times in 22 games for Southern Premier League side Bromsgrove Sporting.
Sweeney said: “I’m really looking forward to working with Elliot, Walks and the rest of the team and scoring goals for this football club and going one better.”
Joe Curtis has arrived to bolster the midfield straight from Bromsgrove.
The 29-year-old midfielder played 39 times for them last season.
A former Southampton academy graduate, he’s previously played for Rushden and Diamonds, St Ives and Corby.
Veteran left back Stephan Morley has also joined after playing for Hednesford Town last year in the Southern League Premier Division.
The 36-year-old is described as a set piece specialist and is another who previously played with Sandy at Brackley.
It adds to the signing of Jordan Graham from Kettering Town announced last week.
Sandy said of his new players: “Glenn in as an outstanding signing for us.
“He’s a born winner and leader and exactly the type of player we want in the dressing room.
“Dan is one of the most sought after talents in non league, I’m delighted to have him commit to us.
“Tony is renowned for being one of the best goalkeepers in non league and I’m delighted to have him commit to us for the coming season.
“Steph is another fantastic addition to our squad, he is a leader on and off the pitch with a wand of a left foot. I look forward to linking up with Steph again.”
