IT WILL come as no surprise that Burgess Hill football manager Jamie Howell has drawn on his Bognor connections in making the first new signings for next season.
With keeper Chris May having gone to Hastings, Howell has signed 27-year-old Craig Stoner as his replacement.
Stoner is an experienced player and "knows how I want it done – played out from the back" said the player-manager.
Last year Stoner wa
s Bognor's player of the year and is said to be relishing his new challenge.
The other new arrival also has Bognor roots, with Matt Russell joining from Horsham YMCA.
Russell played against Hillians at the back for YM last season but is better known as an accomplished striker.
He scored 46 goals in a single season for YM before moving on to Bognor, where he notched 32 in his first season with the Rocks.
Hillians have lined up some impressive pre-season friendlies, with Brighton & Hove Albion coming to Leylands Park on Wednesday July 16 and followed by other higher league opposition.
Lewes, Hastings and Tooting will call on Tuesdays July 22 and 29 and Saturday August 2 respectively.
The Hill have also lined up a trip to County League Shoreham on Tuesday August 5.
The club have appointed Dave Bradbury as their new commercial manager and he has been heartened by the response from local businesses.
Season ticket prices have been pegged for the fifth year running, with adults paying £120, pensioners £75 and under 16s £29.
And following the success of the Supporters' Membership, starting last season, this will be continued. For an annual fee of £5, adult members will get a £2 discount for entry to Ryman League games, with pensioners getting £1 off.
All enquiries about sponsorship, season tickets and supporters' membership can be directed to Bradbury on 07969 525397.
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