BOWERS & Pitsea manager Rob Small has brought in ex-Witham Town hot shot Rob Whitnell to strengthen his squad – and a title push is his only goal.

Whitnell’s arrival is a signal of intent for Bowers, who have brought in no fewer than seven players to the club in a busy off-season.

Small took over at the end of the season, having led Southminster St Leonards to the Olympian Premier title last season.

And the signing of Whitnell, who won the golden boot with Witham when they were in the Essex Senior League and scored twice in a 4-3 defeat to Tilbury on Tuesday, is not the only new attacking option at Small’s disposal.

Martin Llewellyn, formerly of Tilbury, and Lewis Manor, who scored 15 goals in 17 games last season for Rayleigh Town, have both signed along with midfielders Mike Sammut and Jamie Salmon and defenders Luke Wilson and Lewis Blanchett.

“We have signed some terrific players,” said Small. “Rob Whitnell was looking for a new club after Witham’s promotion as there would have been too much travelling to fit around his work commitments. He is a goalscorer and we have a lot of goals in our side now.

“It is a squad game and we have a really competitive squad here. Every time I put a different side out they are showing me they are capable of producing the goods, and full credit must go to the players for that.”

Bowers & Pitsea’s next game is against Brentwood-side Hutton tonight.