CALLINGTON Town have made nine new signings ahead of the South West Peninsula League Premier West season, to the delight of player-manager Sam Borthwick.

‘We started unofficial training a few weeks ago and have had some good sessions,’ said Borthwick.

‘I delivered a presentation to the lads at the start all around my targets for the season, as well as my expectations of them, and that seemed to get the perfect reaction.

‘The players seem hungry and are itching to get going properly.

‘We have lost three big players for us (Tommy Norton and John Ballo to Liskeard Athletic and Lee Robinson to Millbrook), which was a blow to us as I felt all three had put in a really good full debut season with us last year and really had a big part to play in the rebuild going forward.

‘We moved quickly and I’m happy with the recruitment we have made and am really excited to see us start to bond as a team and look to hone in on implementing a style of play that really suits us and just can’t wait to get going!’

He added: ‘The players we have brought in will fit perfectly into the Callington club ethos, and they have already shown qualities I am looking for amongst my players for this season.

‘I’m really excited to see how well the players interact over the next couple of weeks and months as we head into the start of the season. The qualities these players possess will undoubtedly improve the squad no end.’

Here are Borthwick’s thoughts on his nine new signings:

Jordan Inwood – A striker that’s been on my radar for a number of years after having a good spell at Elburton Villa a few seasons ago. I became aware of his potential availability around May time and it was a no-brainer to get him on board with us (from Godolphin Atlantic).

Josh Angel-Craven – A young and very talented player that is currently studying in America. Currently injured, but once he is fit he will be an asset to us before he goes to the USA, then he is back at Christmas and then after Easter when he is back for good.

Caleb Summerfield – Another young talent that is currently in America for his last year but another player full of potential and had a brief spell at Saltash United before moving abroad. A player with great technical ability and will enable us to play some good football.

Damian Cowell – A centre half that is based at HMS Raleigh and has previously played Step Five football in London and turned down an offer from a Step Five side before signing for us. His physicality and experience, as well as his leadership qualities, will be a perfect fit for us to build from at the back.

Frazer Ferris – A naturally left-sided player that has had a few bites at first-team football with Saltash United in recent seasons but never really got a proper opportunity. Fraser brings fantastic work rate, a great attitude and undoubted quality and really adds balance to the team.

Lee Hawkins – A striker I have known and chased for a number of seasons. He was with us at the start of pre-season last year but for a few reasons it didn’t work out, but I am really excited to get him back at the club (from Liskeard Athletic). His desire and ruthlessness, combined with his finishing capabilities, makes him a really strong weapon for us!

Ben Harris – Ben is an attacking player who is just recovering from a serious knee injury and comes to us with a good reputation and another that has stacks of potential. I’m looking forward to seeing him become a leading player for us.

Calum Courts – Courtsy is yet another young player that is thriving at the opportunity to play first-team football. He, along with Ben and Frazer, have come from Saltash’s B Team and they all have the same desire and excitement to succeed.

‘Courtsy has one hell of an engine and is a player that adds some serious energy to the team, not to mention his desire to constantly get on the ball. Don’t get me started on his disco feet!

Connor Molloy – Connor is another player that has moved down here through work (Marines) and has recently played at Step Five Saffron Walden Town in Essex. His fitness and awareness of what’s going on around him, alongside his communication, shone through when we first saw him but then his talent and composure on the ball was immense. I’m really excited to see Connor grow into the club and can see him becoming a key player for us.