March Town boss Brett Whaley believes the capture of prolific striker Craig Gillies is a statement of intent.

Gillies was the leading scorer for Bostik North Division side Soham Town Rangers last season, finding the net 14 times in Step 4 football.

But he has now dropped down two levels to become the headline signing of a busy summer for the Hares as they prepare for the new Thurlow Nunn League First Division North campaign.

Whaley said: “It’s a massive signing for March Town and one which is hopefully a sign of our intentions.

“I’m delighted to get a player of Craig’s ability on board. He has scored goals at much higher levels and gives us fantastic attacking options.

“We’ve been speaking to Craig since the end of last season. He wanted to settle at a club where he knew other players and that is local to him.

“Thankfully we ticked both of those boxes and I’m sure he will prove to be very popular at March.”

Gillies, who made his name at Chatteris Town, scored from the penalty spot as March beat Raunds 6-2 in the BKD Cup – the first friendly of the summer - last Saturday.

The Northamptonshire side, managed by former Hares number two Bob Warby, stepped in at short notice after Wisbech Town pulled out of the traditional pre-season fixture due to a lack of players.

Toby Allen struck twice for March with Max Mattless, Ben Matthews and Rob Conyard also finding the net.

March were then beaten 2-1 at Chatteris on Tuesday night in another annual pre-season game - the Bill Salisbury Memorial Cup – after going ahead through Allen in the first half.

Whaley added: “We produced a much better performance on Saturday than on Tuesday when there wasn’t an awful lot of quality on show in all truth.

“But getting players time on the pitch is really important at this stage of pre-season – especially with a few new faces coming into the squad.

“I’ve already learned a lot about my players.”

March continue their pre-season programme with home friendlies against Deeping Rangers this Saturday and Huntingdon Town on Tuesday.