Goalkeeper Simon Dalton has become the first March Town summer signing.

He played for Hares boss Brett Whaley at both Ramsey Town and Yaxley in the past and is set to battle with the long-serving Dave Beeny to be the club’s number one next term.

Dalton spent last season at higher-level Peterborough Northern Star and actually helped them knock March out of the FA Vase.

Whaley said: “Simon played a level higher last season and has plenty of experience.

“He is a good shot-stopper but also very capable with his feet and that’s a big factor in my decision to sign him.

“I’ve made no secret of the fact that I want us to play attractive, passing football and he will allow us to bring the ball out from the back.”

Whaley is also closing in on two other of his former players – Bourne Town duo Gav Cooke and Adam Rothery.

Defender Cooke and midfielder Rothery have played extensively under Whaley at March, Ramsey and Yaxley. He also has a number of other targets he hopes to entice to the club for pre-season training.

Whaley has added close friend Chris Lenton to his management team for next season.

Whaley added: “Gav and Adam are two very capable players who I know well. They understand the way I want to play and would add a lot of quality to the squad.

“I’m hopeful they will agree to come over and we’re speaking to a number of other players as well.

“We can’t match offers that lads are getting elsewhere so it’s a case of trying to persuade them to have a look in pre-season and hope they like what they see.

It’s great to have Chris involved gain. He was a massive part of what we did here in the past and also worked with me at Yaxley.

“He knows what I’m trying to achieve and is excited to be a part of it.”

Rob Chapman has been appointed as the club’s reserve boss and will be assisted by Andy Wenn who was part of the Under 18 managerial set-up last season.

Next term’s Under 18s side will be under the tutelage of Rob Pooley who is a well-known figure in grassroots circles in the Fenland area.