Squads Are Really Taking Shape As New Season Closes In

By Sam Elliott

The National League fixture release has clearly kicked a few managers into action - there’s been another signing spree this week.

There’s little over four weeks until the big kick-off and squads continue to be re-shaped with the countdown well and truly on.

Scunthorpe United now know they face Yeovil Town on August 6 and they have completed the signing of midfielder Elliott Whitehouse, pictured, following a successful trial.

The other side coming down from the EFL are also looking strong - new boys Oldham Athletic have added real National League know-how by bagging experienced midfielder Lois Maynard.

Elliot Lee is a Wrexham player, adding to an already strong attack.

Experienced goalkeeper Mark Howard will give the Dragons a strong hand between the posts as Tyler French heads to Scotland with Dundee.

Eastleigh have announced the signing of Charlie Carter and striker Tristan Abrahams, who helped Grimsby Town to promotion in June.

Lucas Covolan almost did it famously with Torquay United the year before.

He is back in the National League with Chesterfield after the goalkeeper joined on a season-long loan from Port Vale. Albanian Armando Dobra has also arrived.

Gary Johnson’s Gulls have added midfielder Ross Marshall following his release by Stevenage.

Kidderminster Harriers have been busy and have made three more impressive recruits.

Defender Joe Foulkes has re-joined the club Kidderminster Harriers on a season-long loan from League Two side Walsall while midfielder Shane Byrne switches from National League North rivals Boston United.

Russ Penn has also added versatile defender Nat Knight-Percival.

Dagenham have added imposing centre-back David Longe-King

National League South newcomers Taunton Town have signed forward Nick McCootie.

Striker Dom Hutchinson has signed for Wealdstone after impressing for Eastbourne Borough last season.

But that’s not all - Lewis Kinsella and Max Kretzschmar were both announced on Friday night.

It’s been a big week off the pitch for York City and the now fan-owned club have announced the signings of forwards Luke James and Manny Duku.

Darlington have signed attacking midfielder Danny Rose on a permanent basis after Grimsby Town said he could go.

Bath City have signed midfielder Luke Spokes after he also left Blundell Park - an he marked his move with a wonder goal on Tuesday as the Romans were defeated by Colchester United.

Midfielder Charlie Ruff joins Chelmsford City from Essex rivals Hornchurch while Luke Nippard returns to Weymouth.

Defender Will Wood has joined Dulwich Hamlet who are looking strong for the upcoming season with Midfielder Frankie Raymond also on board on Friday.

Where next?

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