‘Things are falling into place’ Four signings will help ensure Havant & Waterlooville are a force next season, says manager Paul Doswell

Paul Doswell is confident it will be an exciting season for the Hawks after recruiting four new signings announced at a fans forum at the club.
Jonah Ayunga has returned to the Hawks where he impressed during a short loan spell last season. Picture: Chris MoorhouseJonah Ayunga has returned to the Hawks where he impressed during a short loan spell last season. Picture: Chris Moorhouse
Jonah Ayunga has returned to the Hawks where he impressed during a short loan spell last season. Picture: Chris Moorhouse

He has made additions to key areas in his side including two further players from his previous club Sutton United.

Goalkeeper Ross Worner and young striker Jonah Ayunga have moved from Gander Green Lane to the south coast.

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Defender Anthony Straker, from Bath City and exciting young local prospect Benny Read, from Horndean, have also signed for the club.

Doswell also revealed a host of new faces will arrive at the club in the coming weeks as he plots a National League South promotion challenge.

The Hawks manager said: ‘Things are falling into place and we are getting there. I have already made some quality signings and more are on their way.

‘We have managed to get every one of our targets so far.

‘I have no hesitation in saying that we intend to be there or thereabouts next season.

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‘It is great to get Ross Worner on board because he is a very experienced goalkeeper.

‘He was great for AFC Wimbledon in the Football League and I was lucky to get him to Sutton four years ago.

‘At 29 he is the perfect age for a goalkeeper and he knows the game.

‘Jonah is a youngster with real talent. He possesses real pace and can score goals.

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‘He needs to have a big season if he is to achieve his ambition of playing in the Football League.’

Worner and Ayunga join their former Sutton United team-mate Dean Beckwith who was Doswell's first signing.

Experienced central defender Beckwith wasted little time teaming back up with his old boss.

Straker and Read are also viewed as key signings by Doswell.

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The boss added: ‘I know Anthony from his Aldershot days and he is an attacking left-back.

‘He had a great season with Bath City and was named in the National League South team of the year.

‘Anthony is very fit and likes to get up and down the left-flank. He is the ideal replacement for Rory Williams.’

The new Hawks manager has also signalled his intention of giving local young players a chance.

This is reflected in his signing of Read.

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Doswell added: ‘Benny has been with Michael Birmingham at Horndean for the last few years.

‘I have known Birmy for a long time and respect the way he goes about things.

‘You know that with Birmy the youngster has been taught the right way.

‘Birmy told me he still has lots to learn but is ready for the next step up.’

More than 150 fans turned up at the Meet the Manager Forum in the Westleigh Park clubhouse.

Doswell was enthused by the turn out and impressed by the positive buzz around the club.

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