BASINGSTOKE Town manager Terry Brown is hoping the signing of three Basingstoke Academy players, will inspire other local young players to follow in their footsteps.

The Dragons boss announced a triple whammy to his squad in George Bennett, George Hallahan and Aaron Jarvis.

All three impressed in the final two games of last season, when Bennett and Jarvis both made their Town debuts.

Brown said: “The way things are set-up now there is a path from the academy team to the first team.

"I hope other local players will be pulling on a first team shirt in the future.

“Jason (Bristow) is doing an important job with the academy making sure we have quality players coming through.”

“Next season we are going full time and I will be looking to train with 20 players each day, so if injuries leave me short, there will be the chance for academy players to train with first team. I hope this will show them what they need to aspire to.”

Talking about the triple signing, Brown said: “I think all three proved last season they could play at this level, even if it was only for a couple of game."

Town have also announced their first pre-season game which will see the Dragons make their first ever trip to Ryman League Division One side Guernsey on July 30.

This be on the final outing, a week before the Southern League Premier Division's opening weekend.

Brown said: “It is going to be a very important game being the last of our pre-season, but it will also be a team bonding weekend, as we will look staying overnight."

The Dragons boss is hopeful to have some home pre-season games to announce in the next few weeks and will start pre-season training on Monday June 27.

He is looking to have recruited half his squad by them, but will leave a number of spots open.

Brown said: “If I was coming into this as a rookie, I would sign the whole of my squad by the start of pre-season, but I know more players will become available in July.

"I want to be able to take advantage of this.”