Pitchero Non League

....goalkeeper Rob Murray from Grantham Town.

The stopper, who started his career with Grimsby Town, joins Graham Drury's side after a successful spell with the Gingerbreads, which saw him pick up a First Division South winners` medal last season.

"Rob has a real presence between the sticks, he is vocal and a good organiser," explained a delighted Drury. "He knows how to keep clean sheets and what he needs from the players around him to help him do that.

"Most importantly though, he knows what it takes to get promoted from this division and I'm expecting him to play a big role here.

"I was surprised to learn he was available so we moved very quickly to sign him – it`s a real coup for us."

Grantham's league triumph last term was built around a solid back line, which conceded just forty-four goals in forty-two matches, and Murray was pivotal during his time there.

The goalkeeper is another key signing for Drury in his preparation to build a squad capable of challenging at the top end of the table next term.

Strikers Gary King and Greg Smith have also signed.

Both have previous Daniels experience, both boast higher-level experience and both are well-known to boss Drury from his time at Corby Town.

King started last season at Stamford before following manager Simon Clark to Worksop Town before finishing the campaign at Corby.

Smith spent time on loan there but was at Spalding United for the majority of the campaign.

"I am really pleased to have secured both Gary and Greg. Both lads have played for me previously," added Drury. "Gary has Conference North experience joining Corby late season and contributing four goals. He worked hard and was one of our most effective players going forward.

"He enjoyed his spell at Stamford early last season and is pleased to resign for the club at an exciting time.

"Greg and I know each other well. He is an effective target player at Evo-Stik level. I am delighted he has joined us so early, which will allow him to work hard in training, preparing for our pre-season matches and league campaign."

Meanwhile, fans` favourite and influential midfielder David Staff has resigned for the Daniels

Commenting on his latest signing, Drury said: “Staffy is a top footballer with bags of energy and character and I am so pleased to have him around the PK Arena.

“Along with players like Paul Mayo, their experience and knowledge will prove influential on the talented younger players in the squad.”

Staff added: “I am delighted to be staying at the club and look forward to pre-season training and contributing to Graham`s plans.”

They join experienced defender Paul Mayo, who committed to the Daniels earlier in the week, following Drury from Corby.

The 30-year-old has agreed to team up with boss Graham Drury again, after enjoying two successful spells under his guidance with the Steelmen.

The left-footed defender, who can also operate on the left side of midfield, started his career with Lincoln City and went on to play over 150 games for the Imps.

He also appeared for Watford, Notts County and Darlington in the Football League and was also part of a successful Gainsborough Trinity team in the Blue Square Bet North, in between his two spells with Corby.

"I am delighted that Paul has turned down some bigger and better offers to be a part of what we are looking to achieve at Stamford," commented Drury.

"It is great he has agreed to stay and play for me again. I know how much he enjoys playing the style of football my teams do and he'll be a big asset to us; he is a pleasure to work with.

"He will be massive for us, on and off the pitch. He has a lot of experience and that will benefit the team but he is also a great character in the changing rooms.

"The squad is coming together nicely,” Drury added. “I am pleased with the level of experience we've got between the players who have signed so far and I know the fans are going to be excited by the other signings we have in the pipeline.

"I am hoping that by early next week we've sorted out a couple more players, I want to bring some promising youngsters into this mix to give us the right blend and I'm really pleased with the response we've had from conversations so far with a number of players.

"The people we are talking too can see that Stamford is a progressive club and somewhere they'd like to play their football."

Tags: News | Stamford

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