Staveley Miners Welfare's new boss has unveiled his first full signing.

He has captured goalkeeper Martin Kearney from Hallam FC.

A string of highly regarded performances by Martin, pieced together with the ambitions of the new manager and the club, made the approach after the expiry of the 7-day period a formality.

The signing is part of the club's efforts to secure competition in all places and strengthen the squad with experience.

The Sandygate outfit were quick to point out that this recent signing of Martin and the signature of experienced keeper Jack Harvey from Long Eaton United for the reserves by Mick Eborall and Dave Mace is not an indication of a change of ethos or any blight on the existing goalkeepers at the club.

A spokesperson said: "Darren considers competition for places should be strong throughout the club and Mick was quick to point out that the reserves had been playing with 16- and 17-year-old keepers from the U19's.

"The more physical demands of the North Midlands Reserves League was something that had been more evident in certain games.

"And, with a young back four of an average age of just 19, a more experienced keeper was required to complement the squad."