Pitchero Non League

Andy Kemp

The goalkeeper was a key component of former Greenbacks sides before moving on to Daventry Town and most recently Banbury United.

However, manager Steve Farmer has enticed the 23-year-old back after landing a player he sees as one of the best at the level in his position.

He said: “It’s fantastic to have him back at the club.

“Andy was very highly thought of at Banbury as he won the managers` and players` player of the year awards.

“We’ve signed a player who is proven at this level.

“He’s a local lad who is young and hungry. He ticks all the boxes for what we look for.

“Judging by the accolades he won at Banbury we’ve got one of the top keepers at the level.

“On top of that, he seems a really nice lad off the pitch as well.

“He’ll add great competition to Tom Cross and Jamie Brassington. No one is guaranteed to start.

“Andy will have to earn the shirt like anyone else. Competition was key to the success we had this season.

“We aren’t going into the league above to make up the numbers and I think this move shows that. This season we were strongly tipped for relegation and we did something that was unthinkable to many.

“We’ve got to try and continue to defy the predictions of others next season.”

Kemp’s signing was made possible after the Greenbacks board confirmed what Farmer’s wage budget will be next season.

While he would not reveal the figure, he says it gives them an opportunity to beat the drop.

“It’s a competitive budget that gives us a fighting chance. It’s bigger than this season — it had to be.

“The chairman and his team deserve plenty of credit for the hard work they have put in to facilitate the increase,” he said.

Meanwhile, goalkeeper James Martin has left the club.

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