ON THE eve of their season opener, Newton Abbot Spurs announced a quartet of new signings via social media.

Tonight, they will welcome Richard Washburn’s Okehampton Argyle for Connor Marshall’s first game in charge of the club.

Yesterday, at noon and then every two hours after that, Spurs introduced four new faces one at time.

Goalkeeper Kane Gregory was the first of the quartet to be named, described by the club as someone “Who’s been on the radar of clubs far and wide.”

They continued, “Kane brings a wealth of experience, leadership and quality between the posts- we couldn’t be happier that he’s chosen Spurs.”

Gregory played for Ivybridge Town and then Barnstaple Town last season, both in the Western League, highlighting just how much of a coup this is for Marshall and co.

Talking of his new manager and in Marshall’s words, “Kane has been nothing but fantastic in pre-season. His experience, desire to win and humble nature makes him a valuable addition to the team.”

Gregory’s arrival feels particularly notable given the youthful squad he has joining- under Marc Revell, the drive was on promoting youth from within, a system which requires some more wily figures to work and Marshall looks set to continue with this.

This is typified in two of the other signings in the form of teenage duo Coby White and Toby Hard. Both made substitute appearances for the Torquay United 1st XI in their recent pre-season victory over Buckland Athletic at Homers Heath.

Marshall “was over the moon to get Coby signed up with us at Spurs” whilst labelling Hard as “Another young talented player who I’ve had the privilege to work with in the [Torquay] youth set up.”

Regarding White, the club wrote, “Connor and the team are ready to help him reach his full potential” whilst for Hard, they said that they “are excited to support his development and see where his journey takes him in blue and white.”

Last but by no means least is Chris Harvey, “a lad with a point to prove” according to his new manager.

Marshall continued, “I am excited to give him the opportunity he deserves to go and show what he’s made of! A great character on and off the pitch, he embodies the qualities of what the team needs, blistering pace, high work rate and goals.”

Adding these players to a group that was already worthy of a title challenge makes for a hugely intriguing season ahead, starting in just a few hours!