Crusaders starting to shape up as Robinson pulls of new signings
Hungerford Town boss Danny Robinson has wasted no time in building a squad to challenge for promotion in the Southern Premier League next season.
The Crusaders announced the signings of David Bremang, Michael Fernandes, Conor McDonagh and Ryan Clarke while Robinson says his side have 18 players contracted for next term.
Powerful frontman Bremang returns to Bulpit Lane following an excellent spell last season, when he scored five goals in five games.
The former Crawley Town man’s time in the National League South was cut short when he suffered a long term injury, but Robinson is confident he’ll be back at the beginning of October.
“He’s a bit of a coup for us,” he said.
“He was one of the first deals I wanted to try and get over the line, goals was the one thing we were lacking at the start of last season.
“He ticks all the boxes and we’re delighted he’s brought into what we’re trying to do.”
While Hungerford fans will have to be patient while waiting for Bremang’s return, Robinson will be hoping versatile forward Conor McDonagh, a proven goalscorer at Southern League level, can hit the ground running after he signed from Swindon Supermarine.
He said: “I’ve always wanted to work with Conor, he’s a fantastic footballer.
“He’s been one of the best strikers at this level for a long time and the fans are in for a treat with him.”
Michael Fernandes who, like Bremang, impressed in his short spell with the Crusaders last term, proving he’s capable of scoring goals and creating chances – and has experience of winning promotion at this level with Farnborough.
“I think he was probably our best player at the end of last season,” Robinson said.
“He knows what this league’s all about and he has a lot of obvious qualities.
“He jumped at the chance, he said he’s the happiest he’s ever been here at Hungerford.
“Him and David Bremang are comfortably Step 2 footballers.”
At the other end of the pitch, Robinson was forced to use a staggering 13 goalkeepers last season – but he’ll be confident that veteran Ryan Clarke, who played more than 230 times for Oxford United, can provide a safe pair of hands throughout the coming campaign.
He said: “Ryan’s one of the most important pieces in the puzzle.
“His reputation speaks for itself, he’ll bring vast experience and I’m really excited to work with him.”