BASINGSTOKE Town have added their first new face for the forthcoming season, by raiding local rivals Hartley Wintney and signing Dean Stow.

They have also re-signed the combative midfielder and captain fantastic from last season Charlie Kennedy.

Stow, a right back played in a big part in the village side’s play-off winning campaign last season as their captain and also scored a number of great free-kicks.

Town's director of football Terry Brown is delighted with both signings and said: "Dean is a massive signing for us as he leader and a local player, who has enjoyed a lot of success in recent years. I also hope he will continue to chip in with the goals.

"Charlie shows 100 per cent to the club both on and off the field and proved to be a great captain last season."

Hartley, who will play alongside Town this season in the Southern League Premier South, have announced their pre-season programme ahead of their debut at this level. It starts at home to Frimley Green on Tuesday July 10.

This will be followed two days later with a trip to Farnham Town.

The Row are then on their travels again on Saturday July 14 to local Hampshire rivals Fleet Town.

Their pre-season continues away at St Ives on July 21 and a neutral ground on July 24 against Egham Town.

They return home on July 28 when they face Bracknell Town and they finish on August 4 also at home when Kingstonian will be the visitors.

The Southern League Premier South fixtures for Hartley and Town will be released on Thursday July 19.