Fakenham Town add a quartet of new faces ahead of the new season in the Thurlow Nunn Premier Division

Fakenham Town have confirmed the signings of Jamie Smith, Warren Burwood, Ethan Flack and Martyn Nantongwe as manager Andy Cunningham continues to shape his squad for the new season.

The new arrivals strengthen key areas of the pitch, as the Thurlow Nunn Premier Division Ghosts look to build on last season’s play-off defeat to Walsham le Willows.

Cunningham is delighted to retain the core of last season’s squad and add quality in depth, saying: “Ensuring we retained all of last year’s group was the number one priority, and we’re delighted to have done that.

“Given how well the team and individuals performed, there was a lot of interest.

"The landscape of local football changes from season to season, so we know that to achieve our goals, we need to strengthen and add competition for places.”

The new faces are expected to bring variety and versatility to the squad.

Smith and Flack will bolster attacking options, while Nantongwe brings flexibility across the pitch.

Burwood adds competition between the sticks and is expected to challenge for the starting goalkeeper spot.

“Jamie and Ethan give us more options in the forward areas – each adds something different and complements what we already have,” Cunningham explained.

“Martyn can cover several positions, he’s a good size, athletic and composed. Warren has great experience for his age and adds strong competition for that No.1 jersey.”

The Ghosts' boss was also keen to emphasise the importance of character in his recruitment strategy.

“The new lads are the right characters. They’ve gelled quickly with the group, which is really important," he said.

"All of our new signings have looked good in training, and we look forward to them contributing hugely across the season.”

The Ghosts are preparing for a tough pre-season schedule, starting with a visit from King's Lynn Town tomorrow.

“We know to be successful, we need to be 10–20% better than last season,” said Cunningham.

“That’s why we’ve lined up challenging pre-season fixtures – we need the right tests to make sure we’re ready.”

Meanwhile, Fakenham have also confirmed that promising player Finn Whiteley will not be returning, as he makes a step up in his development with a move to Newmarket Town.

“Fin was very much a player we would have liked to have had involved this season,” Cunningham added.

“But his focus is on playing at the highest level he can.

"Everyone at the club wishes him well. He’s a great lad, he’s worked hard for this opportunity, and I’ll definitely be keeping an eye on his progress. Newmarket have got itself a top player.”