Wingate & Finchley have kept 14 of last season's squad which finished in the highest position in the club’s history, reaching the Ryman Division One North play-offs.

Manager David Norman confirmed: “I am extremely pleased that all of last season’s squad have agreed to commit themselves to the club for another season.” Norman, who took charge at the beginning of the 2009 campaign, saw the benefits of all the hard work undertaken by the club and management team in 2010, when the Blues lost only one league game in 26 matches, taking 51 points.

He added: “We have a very strong team ethic which players have to want to be a part of. Every player at the club has been set individual and team goals in order to achieve success and improve them as a player so they reach their potential and play at the highest level possible.

"Last season’s squad have proved what they are capable of and I am very pleased with the summer additions. The club has been able to attract quality players who want to progress to the next level and have the ethos and philosophy of the team’s aspirations.”

The first signing is Sam Sloma who is an excellent draw for the club. A tough player who started his career with Wingate & Finchley, for whom he played 167 times up until 2006, before experiencing success higher up the leagues with Dagenham & Redbridge and Woking. Another addition is James Bent who captained Hendon in the Ryman League Premier Division last season. Norman added: “James will add experience to the midfield and for the last three seasons has scored double figures from that role.”

Another former player returning is Potters Bar Town captain Joe O’Brien. The composed midfielder had previously played 111 times for the Blues. Wingate & Finchley’s other signing is Josh Cooper who is returning from injury and should be available from the end of August. Norman played with Cooper at Wealdstone and knows exactly what qualities he will add to the team.

The Blues hope the final piece of the jigsaw will be signing Lewis Jones - a 20-year-old centre-forward who scored 31 goals last season. Norman added: “We have been watching Lewis for the last 18 months and seen him improve month by month. He is a natural goalscorer who has excellent movement, and I firmly believe that this will be a stepping-stone for this young player.”