Exclusive by Mark Berry MARCH Town United manager Brett Whaley has unveiled a new-look squad and secured the services of club favourites ahead of the new football season. Midfielder Luke Pepper had been linked with a move to Wisbech Town but on Tuesday ev

Exclusive by Mark Berry

MARCH Town United manager Brett Whaley has unveiled a new-look squad and secured the services of club favourites ahead of the new football season.

Midfielder Luke Pepper had been linked with a move to Wisbech Town but on Tuesday evening, he committed himself to the Hares.

This week, Marc Welcher has also pledged himself to March for next season and Whaley welcomed the news, saying: "I am absolutely delighted that the lads have signed for us.

"I have worked hard to show them that the club is moving in the right direction and their commitment confirms that we are going the right way."

Pepper's reward for staying at the GER is the club captaincy, with Welcher nominated as vice captain.

Whaley has also confirmed the signings of several new players at first team, reserve and youth levels.

As previously reported in the Cambs Times, Whaley has signed former Bourne keeper Richard Stainsby, versatile defender Dan Gilbert and brothers Adam and Luke Weston.

But this week, the March boss revealed yet more new players in his squad:

James Richardson, 24, right midfield. Formerly a youth team player at Cambridge City and was with Whaley at Yaxley.

Whaley's verdict: "He is not really a winger but he is technically very good and excellent on the ball."

Ben Hepworth, 25, defensive midfield. Former Yaxley player.

Whaley's verdict: "Ben is a ball winner and keeps play simple. He breaks up play and is very good at reading the game. He stepped up a level last season and coped well so I am confident he can do it again."

Talal Karama, 24, left midfield. Former Yaxley player.

Whaley's verdict: "Very quick and skilful on the ball. He needed to improve his work rate defensively last season and he did it. He will be a major attacking threat for us."

Dan Youngs, 21, centre forward. Former Yaxley player.

Whaley's verdict: "A hard working centre forward who links play and demands the ball. He works the opponents' back four and will help us to defend from the front."

Andy Moy, 29, right back. Formerly with Haverhill Rovers.

Whaley's verdict: "Andy has vast experience at this level and above. I have signed a lot of young players and so Andy will bring a wise head to the squad. He is a very solid defender."

Lewis Mitchell, 21, defender. Formerly with Huntingdon Town.

Whaley's verdict: "Tall and very good on the ball. He can play centrally or at left back, which means we have competition for key defensive positions."

Isaac Twigden, 17, attacking midfielder. Formerly with Peterborough United.

Whaley's verdict: "Versatile and very quick, with or without the ball, over the first 10 or 15 yards. He will cause all sorts of problems for defenders and will play a part at reserve and first team level."

And Whaley may not be finished there. He said: "We are perhaps lacking a big aggressive player in the middle of the pitch so I haven't ruled out signing another new player.

"But we have the basis of a very good team and the lads have put in an unbelievable effort in training.

"There will continue to be a lot of rebuilding at the club and we have to be realistic about our targets but I am aiming for a top-half finish next season."

WHALEY'S first competitive game as manager will be a return to his former club Yaxley.

The draws for the FA Cup and FA Vase have been made and March will travel to Yaxley for the extra preliminary round game on August 18.

Whaley said: "I will be on honeymoon for the first league game so it is ironic that I will be back at Yaxley in my first game as March manager.

"I will just have to remember to go into the right dressing room."

The Hares' first game in the FA Vase will be at home to Woodbridge Town in the second qualifying round on September 22.