Lowestoft Town FC manager Jamie Godbold has hailed the captures of three new signings ahead of our return to Step 3 football this weekend.
A hat trick of new signings have been sealed this week ahead of two games in the opening three days.
As The Trawlerboys start the new Pitching In Southern League Premier Central division season today (Saturday) with an opening day home clash at the Fosters Solicitors Community Stadium against Redditch United, Lowestoft have swooped to sign three new players.
Blues boss Jamie Godbold expressed delight as he confirmed a hat trick of new recruits had been signed and sealed this week - and they are soon to deliver!
The three new signings are now set to join recent recruit Ben Haddoch in a Lowestoft Town shirt.
Delighted Blues boss Jamie Godbold said: "Our first signing is Flynn Clarke.
"Flynn was at Norwich for the past three years, and he is a terrific player.
"What we have seen of him he will be a really positive signing for us."
The 21-year-old attacking midfielder had most recently played for National League North club Scunthorpe United last season, having been on loan from Norwich City.
Having represented - and scored for the Scotland U21 national team - Flynn had joined the Peterborough United academy aged nine, and went on to represent the first team 11 times, scoring three goals for Posh.
Clarke signed for Norwich City for an undisclosed fee in 2021 and impressed in the Premier League 2 with many goalscoring appearances, before he joined Walsall and later Dagenham & Redbridge on loan.
Hailing a real coup for the club, Godbold said: "He is a central midfielder and he has shown some really good leadership qualities.
"He loves to get forward, to score goals and he is the same kind of mould as Dave Hinton.
"I am sure he will be a brilliant signing for us, having played at higher levels."
Unveiling our second new signing, Godbold said: "Our second signing is Gabriel Overton."
A 19-year-old attacker, who spent his youth career with Norwich City and Peterborough United, the talented teen striker had been released by Posh in the summer.
After signing a professional contract with Peterborough in May 2022, Gabriel made his professional football debut as a 77th minute substitute in Peterborough's 2–0 EFL Cup first round win against Plymouth Argyle in August 2022, aged just 17 years 174 days as he claimed an assist for Peterborough’s second goal.
While injuries cut short his 2022/23 season, during the 2023/24 season Overton had hit 12 goals in pre-season and U21 fixtures as of last Christmas - including goals away at Liverpool and Aston Villa.
A spell on loan at National League North side Peterborough Sports followed - and Godbold said the young centre forward has "terrific potential."
Godbold said: "Gabriel is a young centre forward, who is really quick and has scored goals throughout his short career thus far.
"It is another really positive signing for us, in that both Flynn and Gabriel are young, hungry and have great potential.
"They will be great signings for us."
Godbold said that the third new signing is no stranger to Lowestoft Town FC - having previously impressed as a scholar.
"Our third signing is Marley Delgado, who was most recently at King's Lynn and had previously been a scholar at the club.
"He is a central midfielder who is really aggressive, is a good size and has really great strength, physicality and skill.
"He is really tough to play against and is that type of midfielder who suits the mould of those we are likely to come up against in this league.
"You need to be able to stand up to teams who are aggressive and physical and Marley will provide that for us."
Godbold admitted it has been the "most challenging" pre-season he has had in management - in terms of players moving on, offers being made and now sealing four new signings - as he looks ahead to the new campaign.
"It's just been a challenge - no doubt about it," Godbold said.
"But alongside Ben, this week we have secured three new signings - three really good players - who will bolster the squad.
"Our focus now is on Redditch and St Ives this week."
A warm Trawlerboys welcome goes out to Flynn, Gabriel and Marley - we can't wait to see you in a Blues shirt! #COYB