MARINE chief Dave Webb is delighted to have pulled off a coup in signing “number one target” Connor Waldon.

Having been released by Swindon Town at the end of last season, the young striker had been on trial at Southern Premier side Oxford City, but has now been snapped by the Webb’s Wood club.

Waldon spent three months on loan with Marine last term, scoring six goals in 14 appearances, and Webb has made his desire to sign the 20-year-old this summer no secret.

Now having got his man, Webb feels it is a deal that works well for both player and club. Despite top-scorer Luke Hopper finding the net 22 times last season, Marine struggled for goals elsewhere.

Webb is hopeful the addition of Waldon will provide a big boost in that department.

“Connor’s going to bring so much and he’s real coup for the club to bring in someone of Connor’s quality,” Webb told the Advertiser.

“The club is ambitious and we want to move forward. So bringing in someone like Connor is a great signing and someone who can take us to where want to be next season.

“He’s someone was probably our number one target in terms of trying to add to our options up front. He’s been at Oxford City, but fortunately we’re pleased to be able to get him.

“He had a lot of clubs chasing him, but I think the overall thing about Supermarine is that he knows the club.

“He enjoyed his time with us last season and I think he says as a place he come, express himself, enjoy his football and see where it takes him.”

Marine also finalised the signatures of three other players on Thursday evening.

Another former Town man, and previous Wales under 21 international, Aaron Oakley has also put pen to paper on a deal. Oakley joined along with one of the stars of Highworth Town’s FA Vase run Ash Taylor, as well as the returning Jake Simpson.

Taylor adds to Webb’s defensive options and the Marine chief is happy with his capture.

“Ash has come on leaps and bounds, when I was at Highworth he was a reserves and he was always going to be a good player,” added the Marine boss.

“Since last season you can see his improvement, he’s an excellent defender and he’s still only very young.

“He defends and last season we conceded too many goals – that’s not a criticism of the lads, we had too many changes and injuries in that area. That’s why we looked at Ash.

“It was a difficult decision for him as Highworth had an exceptional season, but he showed his ambition that he wants to play at the next level.”