WIVENHOE Town boss Gary Monti has beefed up his squad with a flurry of new signings as preparations continue ahead of the new Thurlow Nunn League season.

Among those joining the Blackstone Stadium side are goalkeeper Lawrence Whymark, defender Matt Coppen, who is joining from Halstead Town, midfielder Jack Mead and striker Tom Lakin, both of whom have been recruited from Saffron Walden.

"Matt's well known to us - a cultured defender, very cool on the ball, commanding in defence and someone who reads the game well," said Dragons boss Monti of former Heybridge Swifts and Burnham Ramblers man Coppen.

"Lawrence is another player we know well.

"He's a very commanding keeper who has had spells at Heybridge Swifts, Billericay Town and Bowers and Pitsea.

"He gives us great competition for the number one spot.

"We're also very pleased to bring in two players from Saffron Walden.

"Jack was an ever-present for them in last season's Essex Senior League team.

"He's very economical with the ball and a real battler, who can play either in central midfield or at left-back.

"Tom's very strong and a quick player who will score plenty of goals this season.

"He's also good in the air and another quality addition to our squad."

Also joining Wivenhoe, of first division south, are left-back Harry Gregory, midfielder David Lopez and winger or striker Peter Maina, previously with Stanway Rovers, Stansted and Soham Town Rangers.

"Harry's a very strong defender who had spells at Southend United and Dagenham and Redbridge as a trainee," added Monti.

"He loves to get forward and will create lots of chances.

"David's returning to the club after a season and a half with Long Melford.

"He's very skilful with an eye for goal.

"He impressed during his previous spell at the club with his composure and quality on the ball.

"Peter is lightning-fast - a defenders' nightmare.

"He's another great attacking addition to the squad."

It's been a busy summer at Wivenhoe, with these latest new signings joining others who had previously signed on the dotted line at the Blackstone Stadium.

Keeper Whymark will do battle with fellow keeper Ben Gallifant, who has just returned after a season away at Little Oakley.

Other newcomers include right-back Dan Williams, while those to have been retained include captain Ross James, defenders Tim Dennis, Angus Poole and Josh Chapman, defender or midfielder Mike Fitzgibbon and midfielder Sam Holden.