NON-LEAGUE
NORTHERN League Division One newcomers Hebburn Town have given a clear sign of their ambitions with four big new signings.
South Shields trio Graeme Armstrong, Louis Storey and Luke Sullivan have all agreed to make the short move across South Tyneside.
They are joined by Marske United winger James Fairley as Hornets’ boss Scott Oliver strengthens his squad ahead of the new season.
Former Gateshead striker Armstrong joins after being transfer-listed by the Mariners.
He will now join Hebburn as goes looking for a third consecutive promotion after helping Darlington, Spennymoor Town and South Shields to success over the last three season.
Sullivan joins after a one-season stay at Mariners Park and former Newcastle United youngster Storey ends a successful two years to join the ambitious Hornets.
Marske winger Fairley joins after helping the Seasiders to their Northern League title win last season, scoring 15 goals as Carl Jarrett’s side clinched a second title in four years.
Oliver believes the club have made a “massive statement” with their new additions.
He said: “The lads are all very good signings, they make a massive statement on what we intend to do in the coming months.
“I think I have had one day off since the end of the season and then we got cracking straight away, and it looks like we have been successful.
“These lads were only going to sign if we could show to them we meant business.
“They have not just come here for an easy time, they want to win things and be part of what we want to achieve as a club.
“We definitely want to progress through the leagues, it is not going to be just a one-season wonder or one-hit wonder.
“The club is on the up, momentum is with us, so we should push now while we can.”
Meanwhile, veteran Hornets striker Paul Chow is confident the club can successfully negotiate the step-up from Division Two as they prepare to face the likes of West Auckland Town, Shildon and FA Vase finalists Stockton Town this season.
The three-time FA Vase winner said: “Our aim was promotion and I was glad to do my part to help them do that.
“The only way is up for this club and we are moving in the right direction now.”