BILLERICAY Town manager Craig Edwards believes his three new signings will provide the catalyst to firmly establish his side in the Blue Square Bet South.
The three newcomers are experienced defender Alton Thelwell, 32, ex-Spurs and formerly at Hull City and Leyton Orient, young keeper Luke Bartlett from Millwall on dual registration and 19-year-old centre-back Sulaimen Bangura, a former Chelsea youngster who arrives from Dulwich Hamlet.
"I knew we had to strengthen our side and also bring in quality players that would not only improve us but also give severe competition for places," said Edwards.
On Thelwell he said: "He's vastly experienced and a real quality defender as we saw in his debut game for us on Saturday where he was outstanding. He reads the game so well and will be a great asset to the side."
He said on Bartlett: "He may only be 18 but on his debut in ourwin on Saturday he pulled off some great saves when we were a bit under the cosh and he showed far more maturity than his age.
"He's obviously highly thought of at Millwall and he's come to us to gain more experience and on Saturday's showing I believe we've a real gem."
On Bangura he revealed: "He's quick, really good in the air and has quite a bit of experience for a youngster having played at Fulham for two years and again will offer us options in defence."
Leaving New Lodge is striker Courtney White who has been on loan at Enfield and has now made the move permanent.
"It's a good deal all round because we've got a small fee for him, he's happy playing there and was doing well on loan and Enfield wanted him," said Edwards. "So everybody wins and it was interesting that around a dozen clubs had been on to me interested in signing him since it was known we were prepared to permanently release him."
For last night's league game at Dover Athletic, Edwards was planning to keep the same side that won on Saturday.
"Rob Swaine is back from suspension but he'll start on the bench because I'm not changing the side because the players on Saturday, particularly in defence where Chris Wild and Thelwell were outstanding," explained the manager. "Players know that we have real competition for places and if a player wants to keep his shirt he knows he's got to play consistently well to earn the right to wear it."
On Saturday's win over Havant & Waterlooville he said: "I thought we thoroughly deserved the victory and what a superb advert it was for football at our level.
"Anyone who comes to watch Billericay Town now knows they will get real entertainment with plenty of goals.
"We're a renowned attacking side and whilst we may have conceded some sloppy goals in the past, we've tightened up and we're now scoring plenty at the other end."
Town have been drawn at home to Enfield in the FA Trophy on Saturday which pleases Edwards who adds: "Obviously getting a home draw is important and against a side in a lower division.
"But it certainly won't be easy because they will come to us as the underdogs and want to put one over us.
"So it will be a tough game but it's one we should win and progress to the next round."
