National League round-up: Forest Green Rovers and Sutton United complete new signings
The latest transfer talk from across the National League.
Hartlepool United completed their first summer signing on Friday when former loan star Jordan Hugill agreed to return to the club over a decade after his first spell at Victoria Park.
The 34-year-old became Lee Clark’s first new addition following his appointment as Pools boss and work is ongoing to add further new faces to a squad decimated by 13 departures since the end of last season. As we await further developments as Pools continue to work hard in the transfer market, a number of their National League rivals have managed to get deals over the line as they prepare for the new season.
Forest Green Rovers have been busy in recent days and manager Robbie Savage has completed a move for Scunthorpe United midfielder Oli Ewing. The 23-year-old made 45 appearances in all competitions for the Iron as they marked their return to the National League by securing a play-off spot - although any thoughts of earning consecutive promotions were ended by a semi-final defeat against eventual winners Rochdale. Ewing’s performances throughout the campaign persuaded Savage to make a move to take him to Forest Green and the former Macclesfield boss revealed he was fully aware of the midfielder’s talent after watching him come from the ranks within the Wales youth set-up.
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He told the club website: "I'm absolutely delighted to have Oli here at The New Lawn. I've known him for a while through the Wales youth set-up and being friends with Charlie, so I already know the character and quality he brings. He's a player who fits exactly what we want to build here, and I think the fans are really going to enjoy watching him. It's going to be great to work with him every day; he's got a bright future."
Sutton secure another new signing
Sutton United have been one of the most active clubs in the transfer market this summer and they continued to add to their squad with the signing of experienced defender Will Nightingale following his departure from Aldershot Town.
The former AFC Wimbledon and Ross County defender made 37 appearances for the Shots last season - but he has brought an end to a one-year stay at the Hampshire-based club by opting against triggering an option that would extend his deal by a further 12 months. Nightingale has revealed just how impressed with Sutton manager Chris Agutter and admitted the attitude he showed was a key driver in his decision to make the move.
Nightingale told the club website: “From my first conversation with the manager, it was clear how passionate he is about the football club and where he wants to take it. You want to be around people who are fully invested and driven to be successful and that’s exactly the feeling I got. Having grown up in the area, I understand what the club means to its supporters and what it means to represent Sutton, which makes the opportunity even more special. I’m looking forward to getting started and doing my bit to help the club achieve its goals.”
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