Beavers delight as two more sign

Anton Cousins and James Simmonds became the eighth and ninth players to commit to next season's Ryman Premier campaign with Hampton and Richmond Borough on Friday.

The duo follow in the footsteps of Billy Jeffreys, George Wells, Joe Turner, Tommy Brewer, Stuart Lake, Alvin Pilgramm and Mo Harkin and both are delighted to re-sign for joint managers Darren Powell and Paul Barry at the Beveree Stadium.

Left-sided Cousins said: "It feels great to be back after being out for a while injured. I have been looking forward to coming back all summer. There are a few factors that prompted me to sign - the promise of first team football is a huge part, as any player wants to play every week. We have two hungry managers, as well as a new coach in Neil Woodyer and new training facilities."

The 21-year-old also urged fans to redouble their efforts to get behind them come the Ryman League's big kick off in August.

He added: "It really feels like the club is going in the right direction. We had great support last season from the fans, both home and away. Hopefully we can get the same, if not a bigger, backing from them this season."

Simmonds is looking forward to his fourth full season as an integral part of the midfield and said: "I'm happy to say I'll be playing my football at the Beveree again, in front of a unique set of fans, and with a great squad of players after signing registration forms.

"My feeling is that this season might be the most organised and successful that I will have played in. The management team have the desire to play the right way in a formation that suits the team, and also with the right training, which will all benefit the team going forward.

"The fact that the majority of the team and key players have opted to stay from last season, means that we already have the foundations in place to better last year's position. With a few quality additions to add competition for places, it will surely push us on to be successful."