REDDITCH Borough has completed a triple swoop ahead of Saturday’s first pre-season friendly at Cannock United.

Goalkeeper Lee Garghan, centre-half Gareth Parfitt and midfield prospect Romario Ellis have all put pen to paper as boss Julian Workman looks to supplement a squad that pushed for promotion last term.

Garghan comes in from Midland League Division Three outfit AFC Solihull, while Parfitt caught the eye from Hampton in Borough’s league last term. Ellis came through at Sutton Coldfield Town under-21s and briefly featured for Castle Vale.

The news is tempered by the exit of influential defender Garrath Hodgetts, who had an impact at both ends of the pitch with 12 goals from 41 appearances last season, will be joining Midland League Division Two rivals Fairfield Villa.

“Chopper has been a massive character as well as a top player for us over the past two seasons,” said Workman.

“At this stage of his career, he has chosen to take a different route for personal reasons and he moves on with our very best wishes.

“Players moving on is part and parcel of football at this level and we are so proud to see two of our home-grown talents in Ryan Young and Luke English step up the pyramid this summer too.

“We are delighted to draft in the lads we have and there are a number of players on trial that we are hopeful can make an impact.”

Dean Hay became the latest existing Borough player to commit to the cause this week with up-and-coming talent such as Callum Hall, Harry Rogers and Dan Morris set to sample first-team action too.

Higher-ranked clubs are said to be circling for the likes of top scorer Liam Fullerton, Courtney Sowe, Oli Saunders, Mat Fearon and George Westwood with Workman hoping to hold on to his top players. Utility man Luke Bowles has signed for Alcester Town.

Borough play Cannock at Norton Caines Community Centre on Saturday (2.30), the first warm-up match before a Midland Two curtain raiser against at Pelsall Villa on Saturday, August 12.