New trio strengthen Howell's hand

Bognor Regis Town manager Jamie Howell has moved quickly to strengthen his squad following his side's disappointing start to their Ryman Premier campaign.

On Friday the Rocks announced that Howell had brought two former players back to Nyewood Lane and taken a new defender on a month's loan. A new striker is also on Howell's wish list and may arrive within days.

The loan signing, Alex Malins, is a versatile defender who's initially signed on a month's loan from Crawley Town. The 18-year-old is a member of Crawley's squad but has yet to make a first team appearance. He follows in the footsteps of Louis John who enjoyed a successful loan at the Rocks from the Football League outfit last season.

Rocks supporters will be more familiar with Howell's two other signings - keeper Tom Boyle and midfielder Scott Chamberlain. Boyle was a popular figure after acting as a loyal understudy for the past two years, playing around a dozen matches for Bognor. He had moved to Godalming Town and the Rocks say he jumped at the chance to return and work under keeping coach Lee Conway again.

Chamberlain, 25, began his career at Brighton and Hove Albion, making one first team appearance. He spent a period on loan with Bognor several years ago, impressing with a number of well struck goals. Following his release from Brighton, he moved permanently to Nyewood Lane, before playing for several other clubs including Lewes. He returns for his third spell in the Ryman Premier.