Stratford Town strengthen squad further as double-promotion winner arrives as one of three new signings

Stratford Town have taken their summer signings to seven with three more faces arriving at the Arden Garages Stadium.

The Premier Division Central outfit has snapped up the services of experienced defender Alex Collard from Bedford Town, midfielder Brad Stretton from Alvechurch and Nathaniel Kelly from Halesowen Town.

With two recent promotions under his belt at Bedford and Tamworth respectively, Collard is looking to make it a hat-trick of successes with the Bards.

Collard arrives fresh from helping the Eagles secure promotion to the National League North.

"I'm here to win," said Collard after completing his move late last week.

"I have got the experience of doing it (promotion) and having that know-how is always good."

Before making the switch to Bedford, Collard signed for Tamworth in May 2022, where he joined from then-Southern Premier Central rivals AFC Rushden & Diamonds.

He moved to Diamonds at the end of November 2018, having left Kempston Rovers.

Collard made 100 appearances during his stint with Diamonds, scoring 12 goals.

He had previously played for a number of clubs in the Aylesbury area, including over 50 appearances for Aylesbury United, as well as at Chichester City whilst he was a student in that area.

Stretton, meanwhile, has made the switch from Lye Meadow.

Previous to joining Alvechurch at the beginning of last season, Stretton was with Oxford City in the National League North.

The midfielder made nine appearances in total during his spell with the Hoops, netting in the opening day draw at Marine.

The former Coventry City academy graduate made the switch into the non-league game after leaving the Ricoh Arena last summer following 12 years with his boyhood club.

Stretton said: "I can't wait to get started and I'm buzzing for the season ahead.

"I believe we can go one better this season and get promoted. The season can't come quickly enough for me."

Centre-back Kelly, 29, was unveiled this morning.

As well as featuring for the Yeltz, Kelly has also featured for Solihull Moors, Alvechurch and Birmingham City.

Their arrivals follow hot on the heels of Norweigan winger Stan Anaebonam, Henry Landers, Harry Reilly and Brad Burton.

Young forward Cyrus Bruce has also committed his future to Paul Davis' side.

The exciting Bruce demonstrated his natural talent towards the end of last season and will look to add to his goal tally again this year.