ADAM Flanagan says his first three signings as Concord Rangers manager have joined the club for the right reasons.

Goalkeeper Conor Gough, 21, joins from Grays Athletic, defender Tom Stephen, 22, joins from East Thurrock United, while Sam Bantick, 23, links up with his former Brentwood Town manager after a stellar season in the Ryman One North last time out.

And Flanagan says the new additions will all bring added quality to the team.

“All the players that have come in have done very well at their respective levels last season,” he said. “And they are all coming here for the right reasons. These are young, hungry players and they want to improve their game in the Conference South.

“The goalkeeper situation was one I wanted to get sorted as soon as possible after Josh returned to Arsenal. Jamie (Butler) has not decided on his future yet and Conor is a really promising talent.

“He was the number two at Bristol Rovers and has had to work his way down the leagues in recent years. And, after a good season last year with Grays, he has pushed on really well and he will be a real asset for us.

“If you are looking for a left back who has consistently been playing at a high level then look no further than Tom. He is local, he wants to push himself and he will provide real competition for Danny Glozier, who is getting married this summer. With Dan away for much of pre-season we needed to cover ourselves and it will be great competition between the two of them.

“It is a big step for Sam,” continued Flanagan. “I know him well from Brentwood and I haven’t yet met a player with as much drive and determination. You don’t get 18 goals and 30 odd assists in the Ryman One North if you don’t have something about you and I want to give him a chance at this level.

“We are still looking for a few other players with the likes of Alex (Woodyard), James (White), Matt (Fry) and Jeremy (Walker) yet to decide on their futures but these three have added real quality.”

Stephen, 22, has impressed in the Ryman Premier League with Rocks in recent seasons, making more than 150 appearances, with East Thurrock manager John Coventry making him captain last summer.

Gough has broken onto the scene this season at Mill Field, winning rave reviews for a number of fine performances between the sticks. The 21-year-old will provide competition for Jamie Butler as he returns to fitness after suffering a long-term injury last season.

Bantick has followed Flanagan to the Aspect Arena, having been a revelation for Brentwood last season as his goals helped them win promotion from the Ryman One North.

Tony Stokes, Steve King, Danny Glozier, Jack Lampe, Sam Collins, Joe Gardner, Gary Ogilvie, Lewis Taaffe, Steve Cawley and Jay Dowie have all agreed to stay at the Aspect Arena.