MANAGER Paul Collicutt revealed how Evesham United’s trio of new signings had all been long-term targets.

Former Hereford goalkeeper Harvey Rivers has signed a one-year contract at the Jubilee Stadium, while midfielder Joe Tumelty and winger or forward Marley Thomas have also agreed terms.

Rivers played for Yate Town last season and caught the eye with an inspired performance against the Robins in January.

Tumelty has plied his trade as a winger in the past but is likely to feature in the middle or just off the front man for Evesham after ending last season with league rivals Larkhall Athletic. His CV includes Hereford and Gloucester City.

Thomas is a flexible attacker who starred for Slimbridge in United’s division last season. Injury restricted his campaign but he still finished with 17 goals.

“I tried to sign Marley midway through last season but he was unfortunate enough to pick up a bad injury,” said Collicutt.

“He still ended up scoring 17 goals despite missing six or seven weeks. He is a lively lad who can play down the side or up top and is someone who has impressed me over a period of time.

“I am sure he would have ended up with 20-plus goals had he not got injured. That’s not bad for a winger.

“Joe is another lad I tried to sign last season. I liked his honesty because he told me he had a problem and had to go in for an operation on a hernia.

“He will miss roughly three to four weeks of pre-season but we are hopeful of getting him right for the start of the season.

“He is different to what we have in the middle of the park. He is one of these lads that wants the ball all of the time, to take free-kicks, corners and to get himself involved in everything.

“That’s the way he is and I like his style of play. He will fit with how we try to do things as well.

“Harvey proved his quality in the two games he played against us last season, particularly in the one down at Yate, and I have known about him since he was a teenager.

“I hope the supporters will be happy because we all know Kevin Sawyer’s boots will be very difficult to fill.

“I know I have signed a top keeper and we hope to get the very best out of Harvey. If he is half as good as the big man, I will be well happy and I am sure he is up to the task.

“When you lose someone like Kev it is very important to get someone of Harvey’s stature.”

Meanwhile, Collicutt was delighted to return from a family holiday to discover Evesham’s appeal to move back into Southern League West had been successful.

The Robins asked the FA to switch with Didcot Town having initially been transferred laterally into Southern League East.

“I am happy about that but we know this league will be tough again this time,” he added.

“There are five promoted teams with the FA Vase winners Thatcham who will be particularly strong. I know Melksham and Street quite well and they will not make life easy either.

“The league was very competitive last season and I have no doubt it will be again.”